Connotation and denotation worksheet - Free Printable

Let's solve this worksheet step by step. The goal is to identify which phrase in each pair has a positive connotation (+) and which has a negative connotation (–). Remember:

- Denotation: Literal meaning (dictionary definition).
- Connotation: Emotional or cultural associations (positive, negative, or neutral).

We’ll analyze each pair.

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1.

A strong reek – *Negative* (suggests bad smell, unpleasant) → –
A strong aroma – *Positive* (pleasant smell, often associated with good things) → +

✔ Answer:
- A strong reek: –
- A strong aroma: +

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2.

A charismatic leader – *Positive* (charisma implies charm, appeal, influence) → +
A pushy leader – *Negative* (pushy suggests being overbearing or forceful) → –

✔ Answer:
- A charismatic leader: +
- A pushy leader: –

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3.

Squandered his time – *Negative* (wasted time, irresponsible) → –
Invested his time – *Positive* (used time wisely, productively) → +

✔ Answer:
- Squandered his time: –
- Invested his time: +

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4.

A bold plan – *Positive* (confident, daring in a good way) → +
A reckless plan – *Negative* (risky without thought, dangerous) → –

✔ Answer:
- A bold plan: +
- A reckless plan: –

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5.

Energetic dogs – *Positive* (full of energy, lively, active) → +
Rambunctious dogs – *Negative* (noisy, unruly, out of control) → –

✔ Answer:
- Energetic dogs: +
- Rambunctious dogs: –

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6.

Spoke with arrogance – *Negative* (overly proud, disrespectful) → –
Spoke with confidence – *Positive* (self-assured, calm, believable) → +

✔ Answer:
- Spoke with arrogance: –
- Spoke with confidence: +

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7.

Ratty clothes – *Negative* (old, dirty, worn-out) → –
Casual clothes – *Neutral/Positive* (relaxed, comfortable, not formal) → + *(generally positive or neutral, but here it’s better than "ratty")*

✔ Answer:
- Ratty clothes: –
- Casual clothes: +

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8.

An aggressive stance – *Negative* (hostile, confrontational) → –
A hostile stance – *Negative* (also negative, but more intense than "aggressive")

Wait — both are negative, but we need to pick one as more negative?

Actually, the instruction says: put + next to positive connotation, – next to negative connotation.

So if both are negative, we must determine which is more negative, but the task asks for one positive and one negative per pair.

But let’s check:
- Aggressive stance: can be seen as assertive or forceful — sometimes positive in sports, business.
- Hostile stance: clearly negative — unfriendly, angry, threatening.

So:
- Aggressive stance: – (still mostly negative)
- Hostile stance: – (stronger negative)

But wait — both are negative? That’s a problem.

However, “aggressive” can have a positive connotation in some contexts (e.g., "an aggressive marketing campaign").

But in general, when paired with “stance,” "aggressive" leans slightly less negative than “hostile.”

Still, both are generally negative.

But let’s compare:
- Aggressive → can imply determination, drive → possibly neutral or slightly positive
- Hostile → always negative

So perhaps "aggressive stance" is less negative, maybe even slightly positive in context.

But typically, "aggressive" in this context is still negative.

Alternatively, think:
- "Aggressive" might be seen as assertive (positive), while "hostile" is definitely negative.

So:
- An aggressive stance: + (if viewed as confident/assertive)
- A hostile stance: –

But that depends on interpretation.

In most cases, "aggressive" has a negative connotation when describing behavior unless in a professional context.

But since this is a middle school-level worksheet, likely they expect:

- Aggressive stance: –
- Hostile stance: –

But we can’t have two negatives.

Wait — maybe I made a mistake.

Let’s look again:
The directions say: Each pair includes synonyms with different connotations.

So they should have different connotations — one positive, one negative.

Therefore, "aggressive" and "hostile" are not exact synonyms — they’re similar, but:

- Aggressive → can be positive (e.g., aggressive salesperson = driven)
- Hostile → always negative

So:
- An aggressive stance: + (positive connotation — proactive, determined)
- A hostile stance: – (negative — unfriendly, angry)

✔ Answer:
- An aggressive stance: +
- A hostile stance: –

Yes — that makes sense. "Aggressive" can be positive; "hostile" is not.

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9.

Easygoing attitude – *Positive* (relaxed, friendly, adaptable) → +
Lazy attitude – *Negative* (unmotivated, inactive) → –

✔ Answer:
- Easygoing attitude: +
- Lazy attitude: –

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10.

Thoughtful response – *Positive* (considered, kind, reflective) → +
Calculated response – *Negative* (planned, possibly manipulative, cold) → –

Note: "Calculated" can be neutral or negative — it implies deliberate planning, which may suggest lack of emotion or sincerity.

While "thoughtful" is warm and positive, "calculated" often carries a hint of manipulation or coldness.

So:
- Thoughtful response: +
- Calculated response: –

✔ Answer:
- Thoughtful response: +
- Calculated response: –

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Final Answers:

| # | Phrase | Connotation |
|---|----------------------------|-------------|
| 1 | A strong reek | – |
| | A strong aroma | + |
| 2 | A charismatic leader | + |
| | A pushy leader | – |
| 3 | Squandered his time | – |
| | Invested his time | + |
| 4 | A bold plan | + |
| | A reckless plan | – |
| 5 | Energetic dogs | + |
| | Rambunctious dogs | – |
| 6 | Spoke with arrogance | – |
| | Spoke with confidence | + |
| 7 | Ratty clothes | – |
| | Casual clothes | + |
| 8 | An aggressive stance | + |
| | A hostile stance | – |
| 9 | Easygoing attitude | + |
| | Lazy attitude | – |
|10 | Thoughtful response | + |
| | Calculated response | – |

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Summary Explanation:

This worksheet teaches the difference between denotation (literal meaning) and connotation (emotional tone). Even though the phrases are synonyms in meaning, their emotional weight differs.

For example:
- "Bold" vs. "reckless": Both mean daring, but "bold" is praised; "reckless" is criticized.
- "Confidence" vs. "arrogance": Both involve self-assurance, but confidence is positive; arrogance is negative.

By identifying connotations, students learn how word choice affects tone and perception in writing.

✔ All answers above are correct based on standard English usage and connotative meanings.