Connotation and Denotation Worksheets - 15 Worksheets Library - Free Printable

Let's solve this Connotation and Denotation worksheet step by step.

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🔍 Understanding the Terms:

- Denotation: The literal, dictionary definition of a word.
- Connotation: The emotional or cultural associations a word carries (positive, negative, or neutral).

We’ll look up each word, define its denotation, and then determine its connotation (+ for positive, – for negative, or neutral if appropriate).

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✔ Step-by-Step Solutions:

| WORD | DENOTATION (Literal Meaning) | CONNOTATION (+/–) |
|--------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
| childlike | Having the qualities of a child; innocent, playful, naive | + |
| grifty | A person who is very old (slang, often used playfully) | – (can be disrespectful) |
| geezer | An old man (often used informally or humorously) | – (slightly derogatory) |
| pushy | Overly assertive or aggressive in trying to get one’s way | – |
| frugal | Careful with money; economical | + |
| arrogant | Having an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance | – |
| inquisitive | Curious; eager to learn or know more | + |
| extraordinary | Exceptional; beyond what is usual | + |
| attractive | Pleasing to look at; appealing | + |
| juvenile | Belonging to or characteristic of youth; childish | – (implies immaturity) |

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🌟 Bonus Question:

> Choose 2 of the words above that have a positive connotation. Think of a word that has a negative connotation for each one and write them on the lines.

#### Example Answer:

1. Word with positive connotation: *inquisitive*
→ Word with negative connotation: *nosy*
*(“Inquisitive” is positive — curious and eager to learn. “Nosy” is negative — prying into others’ business.)*

2. Word with positive connotation: *frugal*
→ Word with negative connotation: *stingy*
*(“Frugal” means wise with money. “Stingy” implies unwillingness to spend, even when appropriate.)*

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✔ Final Chart (Completed):

| WORD | DENOTATION | CONNOTATION (+/–) |
|--------------|----------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
| childlike | Having the qualities of a child | + |
| grifty | A very old person (slang) | – |
| geezer | An old man (informal/humorous) | – |
| pushy | Overly assertive or aggressive | – |
| frugal | Economical, careful with money | + |
| arrogant | Overly proud or self-important | – |
| inquisitive | Curious, eager to learn | + |
| extraordinary| Exceptional, remarkable | + |
| attractive | Pleasing to look at | + |
| juvenile | Childish, immature | – |

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🎯 Bonus Answer (Written):

1. Inquisitive → Nosy
2. Frugal → Stingy

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✔ Summary:

This worksheet helps students understand how word choice affects tone. Even if two words have similar denotations (e.g., *frugal* vs. *stingy*), their connotations can differ greatly, influencing how we perceive the message.

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