Denotation and connotation online exercise for - Free Printable

Let's solve this worksheet step by step.

The task is to determine whether each of the 20 words has a positive (P) or negative (N) connotation — that is, the emotional or cultural associations people have with the word, not just its literal meaning.

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Here’s the analysis for each word:

1. lie – A falsehood, dishonesty → N
2. embellish – To add details, often exaggerating; can be seen as dishonest or creative → generally N (if used negatively)
3. Nosy – Intrusive, prying → N
4. Curious – Wanting to know; usually seen as good → P
5. Childish – Immature, silly → N
6. Playful – Fun-loving, joyful → P
7. Children – Neutral word, but in context often positive → P (generally positive connotation)
8. Brats – Rude, disrespectful kids → N
9. Arrogance – Overconfidence, pride → N
10. Confidence – Self-assurance, belief in oneself → P
11. Flimsy – Weak, not strong → N
12. Original – New, unique, creative → P
13. Radical – Extreme, revolutionary; can be negative or positive, but often has N in common usage (e.g., "radical ideas" may be seen as extreme) → N
14. Fat – Often used negatively in body image contexts → N
15. Full-figured – A euphemism for being overweight; more respectful → P
16. Amazing – Wonderful, impressive → P
17. Startling – Surprising, shocking; can be neutral, but often implies something negative → N
18. Portrait – A picture, representation; neutral, but usually positive → P
19. Innovative – Creative, new ideas → P
20. Sneaky – Secretive, deceitful → N

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Final Answers:

1. lie – N
2. embellish – N
3. Nosy – N
4. Curious – P
5. Childish – N
6. Playful – P
7. Children – P
8. Brats – N
9. Arrogance – N
10. confidence – P
11. Flimsy – N
12. Original – P
13. Radical – N
14. Fat – N
15. Full-figured – P
16. Amazing – P
17. Startling – N
18. Portrait – P
19. Innovative – P
20. Sneaky – N

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Summary Table:

| # | Word | Connotation |
|---|---------------|-------------|
| 1 | lie | N |
| 2 | embellish | N |
| 3 | Nosy | N |
| 4 | Curious | P |
| 5 | Childish | N |
| 6 | Playful | P |
| 7 | Children | P |
| 8 | Brats | N |
| 9 | Arrogance | N |
|10 | confidence | P |
|11 | Flimsy | N |
|12 | Original | P |
|13 | Radical | N |
|14 | Fat | N |
|15 | Full-figured | P |
|16 | Amazing | P |
|17 | Startling | N |
|18 | Portrait | P |
|19 | Innovative | P |
|20 | Sneaky | N |

✔ This completes the exercise. Each word is labeled based on its typical emotional or social association.