Let’s go through each pair and decide whether the first word or phrase has a
positive connotation (P) or a
negative connotation (N). We’re looking at how the words make us feel — do they sound good or bad?
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1.
Bluff vs.
White lie
→ “Bluff” usually means pretending to be stronger or more confident than you are — often in a tricky or dishonest way. That’s negative.
→ “White lie” is a small, harmless lie meant to protect someone’s feelings — that’s positive.
✔ So:
Bluff = N,
White lie = P
2.
Windy day vs.
Stormy day
→ “Windy day” can be nice — good for flying kites, fresh air. Positive.
→ “Stormy day” suggests danger, rain, wind, maybe power outages. Negative.
✔ So:
Windy day = P,
Stormy day = N
3.
Exotic food vs.
Outlandish food
→ “Exotic food” sounds exciting, new, fun to try. Positive.
→ “Outlandish food” sounds weird, strange, maybe gross. Negative.
✔ So:
Exotic food = P,
Outlandish food = N
4.
Arrogant man vs.
Confident man
→ “Arrogant” means thinking you’re better than others — rude. Negative.
→ “Confident” means sure of yourself — healthy and good. Positive.
✔ So:
Arrogant man = N,
Confident man = P
5.
Strange design vs.
Unique design
→ “Strange” feels odd, maybe uncomfortable. Negative.
→ “Unique” means one-of-a-kind, special, cool. Positive.
✔ So:
Strange design = N,
Unique design = P
6.
Relaxed attitude vs.
Lazy attitude
→ “Relaxed” means calm, chill — good. Positive.
→ “Lazy” means not wanting to work or try — bad. Negative.
✔ So:
Relaxed attitude = P,
Lazy attitude = N
7.
Aggressive girl vs.
Energetic girl
→ “Aggressive” means too forceful, maybe mean or angry. Negative.
→ “Energetic” means full of life, active, lively — good. Positive.
✔ So:
Aggressive girl = N,
Energetic girl = P
8.
Fearful behavior vs.
Cautious behavior
→ “Fearful” means scared, trembling — not confident. Negative.
→ “Cautious” means careful, thinking ahead — smart and safe. Positive.
✔ So:
Fearful behavior = N,
Cautious behavior = P
9.
Assertive salesman vs.
Pushy salesman
→ “Assertive” means standing up for yourself politely — good. Positive.
→ “Pushy” means forcing your way, annoying. Negative.
✔ So:
Assertive salesman = P,
Pushy salesman = N
10.
Affordable dress vs.
Cheap dress
→ “Affordable” means easy on the budget — good value. Positive.
→ “Cheap” often means low quality, flimsy — negative.
✔ So:
Affordable dress = P,
Cheap dress = N
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Final Answer:
1) N, P
2) P, N
3) P, N
4) N, P
5) N, P
6) P, N
7) N, P
8) N, P
9) P, N
10) P, N
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of connotation denotation worksheet.
