Connotation Denotation Worksheet | PDF | Odor | Cognitive Science - Free Printable

Let’s go step by step through each row. We need to pick:

- Positive Connotation: the word that sounds good or favorable.
- Denotation: the neutral, dictionary-style definition (usually a phrase).
- Negative Connotation: the word that sounds bad or unfavorable.

We’ll do this for rows 1–16 as shown in the table.

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Row 1: gaze, look steadily, stare

- “gaze” = positive (soft, admiring look)
- “look steadily” = neutral/denotation
- “stare” = negative (rude, intense)

→ Positive: gaze
→ Denotation: look steadily
→ Negative: stare

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Row 2: fragrance, odor, a smell sensed by the olfactory nerve

- “fragrance” = positive (pleasant smell)
- “a smell sensed...” = neutral/denotation
- “odor” = often negative (unpleasant smell)

→ Positive: fragrance
→ Denotation: a smell sensed by the olfactory nerve
→ Negative: odor

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Row 3: brainwash, persuade, influence one way or another

- “persuade” = positive (convince politely)
- “influence one way or another” = neutral/denotation
- “brainwash” = negative (forceful manipulation)

→ Positive: persuade
→ Denotation: influence one way or another
→ Negative: brainwash

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Row 4: delayed, not on time, tardy

Wait — all three are similar. But we must assign based on connotation.

Actually, “not on time” is the most neutral phrase → denotation.

“delayed” can be neutral too, but sometimes implies fault? Let’s think.

Better approach:

- “tardy” = negative (school/work context, implies lateness with blame)
- “delayed” = could be neutral or slightly negative
- “not on time” = purely descriptive → denotation

But which is *positive*? None really are positive… Hmm.

Wait — maybe “delayed” is less harsh than “tardy”? In some contexts, “delayed” is just factual (flight delayed), while “tardy” is personal failure.

So perhaps:

→ Positive: delayed (least negative)
→ Denotation: not on time
→ Negative: tardy

*(Note: This one is tricky because none are truly positive — but we have to choose the least negative as “positive” relative to others.)*

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Row 5: somewhat interested, nosy, curious

- “curious” = positive (eager to learn)
- “somewhat interested” = neutral/mild → denotation
- “nosy” = negative (intrusive)

→ Positive: curious
→ Denotation: somewhat interested
→ Negative: nosy

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Row 6: lazily, without haste, leisurely

- “leisurely” = positive (relaxed, unhurried in a good way)
- “without haste” = neutral → denotation
- “lazily” = negative (lack of effort)

→ Positive: leisurely
→ Denotation: without haste
→ Negative: lazily

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Row 7: ask of someone, demand, request

- “request” = polite → positive
- “ask of someone” = neutral → denotation
- “demand” = forceful → negative

→ Positive: request
→ Denotation: ask of someone
→ Negative: demand

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Row 8: gathering, a large group, mob

- “gathering” = positive (social event)
- “a large group” = neutral → denotation
- “mob” = negative (chaotic, dangerous crowd)

→ Positive: gathering
→ Denotation: a large group
→ Negative: mob

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Row 9: slim, skinny, less than average build

- “slim” = positive (attractive thinness)
- “less than average build” = neutral → denotation
- “skinny” = negative (too thin, unhealthy)

→ Positive: slim
→ Denotation: less than average build
→ Negative: skinny

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Row 10: discuss with others, debate, argue

- “discuss with others” = positive (cooperative talk)
- “debate” = can be neutral, but here it’s listed as option — actually, “debate” is often neutral/academic. Wait — let’s check options again.

Options: discuss with others, debate, argue

Actually:

- “discuss with others” = positive
- “debate” = neutral/formal → denotation? Or is “argue” more negative?

Standard interpretation:

- “discuss” = positive
- “debate” = neutral (structured argument)
- “argue” = negative (heated, emotional)

But the phrase given is “discuss with others”, “debate”, “argue”

So:

→ Positive: discuss with others
→ Denotation: debate *(since it’s the middle ground)*
→ Negative: argue

Wait — but “debate” isn’t a phrase like the others. The instruction says: “the phrase that is a more neutral definition for both words”

Looking back at instructions: “list the one that is positive... the one that is negative... and the phrase that is a more neutral definition”

In row 10, the items are: “discuss with others”, “debate”, “argue”

“discuss with others” is a phrase → likely denotation? No — wait, no: the phrase is meant to be the neutral DEFINITION, not necessarily one of the two words.

Re-read instruction:

> For each pair of words and a phrase, list the one that is positive in the “Positive Connotation” category, the one that is negative in the “Negative Connotation” category, and the phrase that is a more neutral definition for both words in the “Denotation” column.

Ah! So in each row, there are TWO WORDS and ONE PHRASE.

Look at row 1: “gaze, look steadily, stare” → “look steadily” is the phrase.

Row 2: “fragrance, odor, a smell sensed...” → phrase is “a smell sensed...”

So in row 10: “discuss with others, debate, argue” → which is the phrase?

“discuss with others” is a phrase. “debate” and “argue” are single words.

So:

Phrase = “discuss with others” → should be denotation? But that doesn’t make sense because “discuss with others” is positive.

Wait — I think I misread earlier.

Let me re-express:

Each row has THREE items: two are single-word synonyms, one is a multi-word phrase that defines them neutrally.

For example, row 1:

Words: gaze, stare
Phrase: look steadily → neutral definition

Similarly, row 2:

Words: fragrance, odor
Phrase: a smell sensed by the olfactory nerve → neutral definition

So in row 10:

Items: “discuss with others”, “debate”, “argue”

Which is the phrase? “discuss with others” is the only multi-word item → so it’s the phrase → should be denotation.

Then the two words are “debate” and “argue”.

Now, which is positive? Neither is clearly positive. “Debate” is more formal/neutral, “argue” is negative.

But we need a positive connotation word.

Perhaps “debate” is considered positive in academic context? Or maybe we have to choose between the two words for positive/negative, and the phrase is always denotation.

Yes — rereading: “for each pair of words and a phrase” — so two words + one phrase.

The phrase goes to Denotation.

Then from the two words, pick which is positive and which is negative.

In row 10: words are “debate” and “argue”; phrase is “discuss with others”

But “discuss with others” is not a definition of “debate” and “argue” — it’s a different concept.

This is confusing.

Alternative interpretation: Maybe the three items include two words and one phrase, and the phrase is the neutral definition, regardless of wording.

In row 10, “discuss with others” might be intended as the neutral action, while “debate” and “argue” are variations.

But “debate” is not inherently negative; it’s often neutral or positive.

Perhaps the intended assignment is:

- Positive: debate (as in respectful disagreement)
- Denotation: discuss with others (neutral interaction)
- Negative: argue (emotional conflict)

That makes sense.

Similarly, in row 4: “delayed, not on time, tardy” — “not on time” is the phrase → denotation. Words: “delayed” and “tardy”. “Delayed” is less negative → positive? Or is there a better way?

Let’s standardize:

Rule:
- The multi-word phrase is ALWAYS the denotation (neutral definition).
- From the two single words, assign positive and negative connotations.

Apply this consistently.

Row 1: words: gaze, stare; phrase: look steadily → denotation
→ gaze = positive, stare = negative

Row 2: words: fragrance, odor; phrase: a smell... → denotation
→ fragrance = positive, odor = negative

Row 3: words: brainwash, persuade; phrase: influence one way or another → denotation
→ persuade = positive, brainwash = negative

Row 4: words: delayed, tardy; phrase: not on time → denotation
Now, between “delayed” and “tardy”: “delayed” is often used for things (flights, projects), “tardy” for people (students, employees). “Tardy” carries more blame → negative. “Delayed” can be due to external factors → less negative, so we'll call it positive relatively.

→ delayed = positive, tardy = negative

Row 5: words: nosy, curious; phrase: somewhat interested → denotation
→ curious = positive, nosy = negative

Row 6: words: lazily, leisurely; phrase: without haste → denotation
→ leisurely = positive, lazily = negative

Row 7: words: demand, request; phrase: ask of someone → denotation
→ request = positive, demand = negative

Row 8: words: gathering, mob; phrase: a large group → denotation
→ gathering = positive, mob = negative

Row 9: words: slim, skinny; phrase: less than average build → denotation
→ slim = positive, skinny = negative

Row 10: words: debate, argue; phrase: discuss with others → denotation
Now, “debate” vs “argue”: “debate” is structured, respectful → positive; “argue” is heated → negative

→ debate = positive, argue = negative

Row 11: observe, watch, spy → words: observe, spy; phrase: watch? Wait, “watch” is single word.

Items: “observe, watch, spy”

Which is the phrase? All are single words. Problem.

Perhaps “watch” is intended as the neutral term? But it's not a phrase.

Looking back at original list:

11. observe, watch, spy

All single words. But instruction says “pair of words and a phrase”. So maybe “watch” is considered the neutral verb, and we treat it as the denotation even though it's not a phrase? That breaks the pattern.

Perhaps in some rows, the "phrase" is implied or it's a trick.

Another idea: maybe for row 11, “watch” is the neutral term, so we put it in denotation, and “observe” = positive, “spy” = negative.

Similarly, row 12: “a young age, youthful, immature” — “a young age” is a phrase → denotation. Words: youthful, immature → youthful = positive, immature = negative

Row 13: “not having a care, irresponsible, carefree” — “not having a care” is phrase → denotation. Words: irresponsible, carefree → carefree = positive, irresponsible = negative

Row 14: “unique, not commonly found, strange” — “not commonly found” is phrase → denotation. Words: unique, strange → unique = positive, strange = negative

Row 15: “find, detect, snoop” — all single words. Again, problem.

Perhaps “detect” is the neutral term? Or “find”?

Typically, “find” is neutral, “detect” is technical, “snoop” is negative.

But we need to assign one as denotation.

Maybe for consistency, when there's no clear phrase, we take the most neutral word as denotation.

But the instruction specifies “the phrase”, so perhaps in rows where all are single words, we still have to choose one as the denotation based on neutrality.

To resolve, let's assume that in such cases, the middle item or the most generic is the denotation.

For row 11: observe, watch, spy → “watch” is most common/neutral → denotation. Then observe = positive (attentive), spy = negative (secretive)

Row 15: find, detect, snoop → “detect” might be neutral (scientific), “find” is general, “snoop” negative. Perhaps “find” is denotation? But “detect” is more precise.

I think “detect” is often used in neutral contexts (detect smoke, detect error), “find” is also neutral, “snoop” is negative.

But we need to pick one for denotation.

Perhaps the intended is:

- Positive: find (successful discovery)
- Denotation: detect (neutral identification)
- Negative: snoop (intrusive searching)

But “find” and “detect” are close.

Another approach: look at common usage in such exercises.

Typically:

- observe = positive (careful looking)
- watch = neutral
- spy = negative

So for row 11:

→ Positive: observe
→ Denotation: watch
→ Negative: spy

Similarly, row 15: find, detect, snoop

- find = positive (locate successfully)
- detect = neutral (identify presence)
- snoop = negative (pry into privacy)

→ Positive: find
→ Denotation: detect
→ Negative: snoop

Row 16: inexpensive, fairly priced, or cheap — wait, the item is “inexpensive, fairly priced, or cheap” — this seems like one item? No, looking back:

Original list:

16. inexpensive, fairly priced, or cheap

This is poorly punctuated. Probably it's three items: "inexpensive", "fairly priced", "cheap"

And "fairly priced" is the phrase → denotation.

Words: inexpensive, cheap

- inexpensive = positive (good value)
- cheap = negative (low quality)

→ Positive: inexpensive
→ Denotation: fairly priced
→ Negative: cheap

Row 17: isolation, privacy, having an opportunity to be alone — phrase: "having an opportunity to be alone" → denotation. Words: isolation, privacy → privacy = positive, isolation = negative

Row 18: assertive, firmly confident, pushy — phrase: "firmly confident" → denotation. Words: assertive, pushy → assertive = positive, pushy = negative

Row 19: extravagance, generosity, giving much — phrase: "giving much" → denotation. Words: extravagance, generosity → generosity = positive, extravagance = negative

But the table only goes to row 16, so we stop at 16.

Now, compiling for rows 1-16:

Final assignments:

1. Positive: gaze, Denotation: look steadily, Negative: stare
2. Positive: fragrance, Denotation: a smell sensed by the olfactory nerve, Negative: odor
3. Positive: persuade, Denotation: influence one way or another, Negative: brainwash
4. Positive: delayed, Denotation: not on time, Negative: tardy
5. Positive: curious, Denotation: somewhat interested, Negative: nosy
6. Positive: leisurely, Denotation: without haste, Negative: lazily
7. Positive: request, Denotation: ask of someone, Negative: demand
8. Positive: gathering, Denotation: a large group, Negative: mob
9. Positive: slim, Denotation: less than average build, Negative: skinny
10. Positive: debate, Denotation: discuss with others, Negative: argue
11. Positive: observe, Denotation: watch, Negative: spy
12. Positive: youthful, Denotation: a young age, Negative: immature
13. Positive: carefree, Denotation: not having a care, Negative: irresponsible
14. Positive: unique, Denotation: not commonly found, Negative: strange
15. Positive: find, Denotation: detect, Negative: snoop
16. Positive: inexpensive, Denotation: fairly priced, Negative: cheap

Note: For row 4, "delayed" as positive is relative; similarly for others where no true positive exists, we choose the least negative.

Now, present in table format as requested.

Final Answer:

| | Positive Connotation | Denotation | Negative Connotation |
|---|----------------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------------|
| 1 | gaze | look steadily | stare |
| 2 | fragrance | a smell sensed by the olfactory nerve | odor |
| 3 | persuade | influence one way or another | brainwash |
| 4 | delayed | not on time | tardy |
| 5 | curious | somewhat interested | nosy |
| 6 | leisurely | without haste | lazily |
| 7 | request | ask of someone | demand |
| 8 | gathering | a large group | mob |
| 9 | slim | less than average build | skinny |
|10 | debate | discuss with others | argue |
|11 | observe | watch | spy |
|12 | youthful | a young age | immature |
|13 | carefree | not having a care | irresponsible |
|14 | unique | not commonly found | strange |
|15 | find | detect | snoop |
|16 | inexpensive | fairly priced | cheap |