Understanding word connotations through practical exercises and real-world examples.

Let’s go step by step to solve this worksheet.

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First, we need to understand what “connotation” means.
- Denotation = the literal dictionary definition (like “snake = a limbless reptile”).
- Connotation = the feelings or ideas people connect with a word — like how “snake” can mean someone sneaky or evil.

Some words have positive connotations (make you feel good) and some have negative ones (make you feel bad), even if they mean similar things.

Now, for each condition listed, we’ll think of:
1. A word that sounds nice or positive about that thing.
2. A word that sounds harsh or negative about that same thing.

Let’s do them one by one:

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1. overweight

→ Positive: *plump*, *curvy*, *full-figured* → Let’s pick “curvy” – it sounds graceful and attractive.
→ Negative: *obese*, *fat*, *chubby* → Let’s pick “obese” – it sounds medical and harsh.

*(Note: Some may argue “plump” is gentler than “curvy,” but “curvy” is often used positively in fashion/media. We’ll go with common usage.)*

Wait — let’s double-check: Is “curvy” always positive? For women, yes — often seen as attractive. But for men? Not usually. Since the worksheet doesn’t specify gender, maybe better to use something more neutral-positive.

Alternative positive: *sturdy*, *solid*, *well-built* — those sound strong and healthy.

Actually, let’s choose:

→ Positive: “well-built” — implies strength and health.
→ Negative: “obese” — still fits.

But wait — “overweight” itself isn’t always negative. Maybe “plus-size” is positive? Hmm.

Let’s stick with commonly accepted pairs:

✔ Final choice for #1:
Positive: plump (soft, cozy, cute)
Negative: obese (medical, serious, scary)

Actually, many teachers accept:

→ Positive: curvy
→ Negative: fat

But “fat” is very direct. Let’s use:

→ Positive: full-figured
→ Negative: obese

I think “full-figured” is widely accepted as polite/positive.

Let’s lock in:

1. overweight
Positive: full-figured
Negative: obese

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2. short

→ Positive: *petite*, *compact*, *cute* → “petite” is often used positively for small stature, especially for women.
→ Negative: *tiny*, *stunted*, *dwarfed* → “stunted” suggests not growing properly — negative.

Better pair:

→ Positive: petite
→ Negative: shorty (can be teasing) or vertically challenged (sarcastic) — but those are slang.

Standard answer:

→ Positive: petite
→ Negative: short

Wait — “short” is the condition. We need different words.

So:

→ Positive: compact (like a car — efficient, neat)
→ Negative: stunted (implies unhealthy growth)

Or:

→ Positive: little (affectionate)
→ Negative: diminutive (sounds cold or scientific)

Hmm.

Best simple pair:

→ Positive: petite
→ Negative: undersized

Yes.

2. short
Positive: petite
Negative: undersized

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3. not smart

→ Positive: *simple*, *innocent*, *uncomplicated* → “simple” can be positive — like “simple joys.”
→ Negative: *dumb*, *slow*, *ignorant*

Better:

→ Positive: naive (sometimes positive — trusting, pure)
→ Negative: dense (hard to get through to)

Or:

→ Positive: down-to-earth
→ Negative: dim

Let’s go with:

→ Positive: simple-minded — wait, that’s actually negative! Oops.

Careful!

“Simple” alone can be positive. “Simple-minded” is negative.

So:

→ Positive: unpretentious (doesn’t show off — good trait)
→ Negative: slow

But “not smart” = low intelligence.

Common pair:

→ Positive: humble (doesn’t brag — related to not thinking you’re too smart)
→ Negative: dull

Actually, best:

→ Positive: grounded
→ Negative: ignorant

No — ignorant means lacking knowledge, not necessarily unintelligent.

Let’s try:

→ Positive: easygoing (not overthinking — relaxed)
→ Negative: thick (slang for slow to understand)

Too informal.

Standard educational answers:

→ Positive: modest (about intellect)
→ Negative: dim-witted

But let’s keep it simple:

✔ 3. not smart
Positive: humble
Negative: dull

Wait — “humble” isn’t exactly “not smart.” It’s about attitude.

Another idea:

→ Positive: practical (uses common sense, not book-smart)
→ Negative: slow

Yes — “practical” is often praised even if someone isn’t academically brilliant.

Final:

3. not smart
Positive: practical
Negative: slow

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4. unattractive

→ Positive: *plain*, *natural*, *homely* (in old-fashioned way — means cozy, familiar)
→ Negative: *ugly*, *hideous*, *repulsive*

“Homely” can be positive in British English — means comfortable, homey. In American English, sometimes means plain-looking.

Better:

→ Positive: natural (no makeup, real beauty)
→ Negative: unsightly

Or:

→ Positive: ordinary (not standout, but not bad)
→ Negative: grotesque

Let’s go with:

✔ 4. unattractive
Positive: natural
Negative: ugly

Simple and clear.

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5. non-athletic

→ Positive: *relaxed*, *laid-back*, *non-competitive* → “laid-back” sounds chill, not lazy.
→ Negative: *lazy*, *sedentary*, *out-of-shape*

Better:

→ Positive: casual (doesn’t take sports seriously — fine!)
→ Negative: couch potato

But “couch potato” is slang.

Standard:

→ Positive: uncoordinated — no, that’s negative!

Wait — we need a POSITIVE word for someone who isn’t athletic.

How about: intellectual? Implies brain over brawn — positive spin.

Or: artistically inclined

But might be stretching.

Simplest:

→ Positive: relaxed
→ Negative: inactive

Yes.

✔ 5. non-athletic
Positive: relaxed
Negative: inactive

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6. self-focused

→ Positive: *self-confident*, *independent*, *self-assured* → These are good traits.
→ Negative: *selfish*, *egotistical*, *narcissistic*

Perfect.

✔ 6. self-focused
Positive: self-confident
Negative: selfish

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Now, Car Names section:

Cars given: Thunderbird, Falcon, Charger, Comet, Mustang, Barracuda, Rabbit, Pinto, Gremlin.

Pick one: Let’s pick Mustang.

Answer questions:

1. What sort of image do you get from this name?
→ Wild horse, freedom, speed, power, American muscle.

2. What kind of performance would you expect from this car?
→ Fast, powerful engine, sporty handling.

3. What kind of person would this product target?
→ Young adults, adventurers, people who want to feel free and powerful.

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Now, create your own car name.

Step 1: Decide type of car — let’s say SUV.

Step 2: Target consumer — families who love outdoor adventures, camping, hiking.

Step 3: Name that describes function/performance and appeals to them.

Function: carries family + gear, goes off-road, safe, spacious.

Performance: durable, reliable, all-terrain.

Name idea: TrailBlazer — already exists, but perfect example.

Or invent: SummitRider, WildPath, FamilyTrekker

Let’s make up: AdventureHauler

But needs to sound cool.

Better: Frontier Explorer

Or: Peak Voyager

Let’s go with:

Car type: SUV
Target: Outdoor-loving families
Name: Summit Seeker

It suggests going high places, exploring, reaching peaks — fits adventure and family trips.

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Now, compile final answers.

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Final Answer:

Condition Table:

1. overweight
Positive Connotation: full-figured
Negative Connotation: obese

2. short
Positive Connotation: petite
Negative Connotation: undersized

3. not smart
Positive Connotation: practical
Negative Connotation: slow

4. unattractive
Positive Connotation: natural
Negative Connotation: ugly

5. non-athletic
Positive Connotation: relaxed
Negative Connotation: inactive

6. self-focused
Positive Connotation: self-confident
Negative Connotation: selfish

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Car Names Section (using Mustang):

1. Image: A wild, free-spirited horse — symbolizing power, speed, and independence.
2. Performance: Fast acceleration, strong engine, sporty driving experience.
3. Target person: Young drivers or enthusiasts who value style, power, and freedom.

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Create Your Own Car:

Type of car: SUV
Target consumer: Families who enjoy camping, hiking, and road trips
Name for product: Summit Seeker