Connotation
Denotation
C&D Definitions
Random
Context Clues
100

Which of the following words has a more positive connotation?

Limit     Restrict

What is Limit?

100

Ginny was a nosy child. She wanted to know about everything that happened in the little town of Darington.

What is the denotation of nosy in the sentence above?

A. Interesting, unusual

B. Intelligent, smart

C. Similar, identical

D. Curious, inquisitive

D. Curious, inquisitive

100

Define the word denotation.

A.) The strict dictionary meaning of a word.

B.) The origins of a word.

C.) The emotional and imaginative association surrounding a word.

D.) The way to pronounce a word.

A.) The strict dictionary meaning of a word.

100

Which sentence denotes that the person was pushy?

1. They pushed the other kid during recess

2. They bossed the other kids around to get their way. 

1. They pushed the other kid during recess.

100

Using context clues, which word has a more positive connotation in the sentence?

The employees tried to ____ with their employer over pay raises.

1. Haggle

2. Bargain

Bargain

200

Identify which word has a more negative connotation:

Cluttered     Dirty

What is Dirty?
200

Mark was sick of receiving a dozen annoying emails with jokes from Sally every day. He dashed off a sloppy reply letting her know that he wasn't allowed to receive silly emails at school.

What is the denotation of the phrase dashed off in the sentence above?

A. Hurriedly wrote

B. Effortlessly executed

C. Casually finished

D. Thoughtfully completed

A. Hurriedly wrote

200

Define the word connotation.

A.) The point of view for a word.

B.) The strict dictionary meaning of a word.

C.) The way that you spell a word.

D.) The emotional and imaginative association surrounding a word.

D.) The emotional and imaginative association surrounding a word.

200

Which sentence describes the connotation of this phrase:

She was green with envy.

1. She was very jealous.
2. Her skin was green.

1. She was very jealous.

200

Using context clues, which word has a more positive connotation in the sentence?

After the big test, Rich felt relaxed and _______.

1.) Carefree

2.) Irresponsible

1. Carefree

300

Which word has the more positive connotation?

Immature    Youthful

What is Youthful?

300

Buster was a puny dog. He could not even scare the cat that lived next door.

What is the denotation of the word puny in the sentence above?

A. Noisy or loud

B. Large in actions or words

C. Undersized or small

D. Heavy or overweight

C. Undersized or small

300

In questions relating to denotation, which of the following words might you see and focus on?

A.) Connote

B.) Action word

C.) Denote

D.) Emotion

C. Denote

300

Pick the word that fits the sentence the best: 

Mike's best friend Abby _____ him for taking first place in the race. 

1. Acknowledged

2. Congratulated 

2. Congratulated

300

Using context clues, choose the correct word that fits into the sentence.

“The _____ of the pumpkin pie filled the kitchen.”

1.) Odor

2.) Fragrance

2. Fragrance

400

Which sentence has a more negative connotation?

1. That child is very unusual.

2. That child is very weird. 

That child is very weird. 

400

Grandpa came to their house every summer. Sure, Grandpa could be a real prune, but that was just Grandpa!

What is the denotation of the word prune as used in the sentence above?

1. A dried plum

2. A Mean person

3. A meticulous person

4. A bush

1. A dried plum

400

The employees tried to (haggle/bargain) with their employer over pay raises.

To determine which word best fits in this sentence, you could use which strategy below?

A.) Use context clues.

B.) Close your eyes and pick randomly.

C.) Use an encyclopedia.

A.) Use context clues

400

Sarcasm often relies on ____ to get a point across.

1. Connotation

2. Denotation

1. Connotation

400

Using context clues, choose the correct word that fits into the sentence.

“The _____ of bees hovered near the hive.”

1.) Swarm

2.) Bunch

1. Swarm

500

Which sentence has more of a negative connotation?

1. My dad is very stingy with his money.

2. My dad is very thrifty with his money. 

My dad is very stingy with his money. 

500

When students walked into their history class yesterday, they were shocked to find Mr. Worthington dressed like President Washington. The students were baffled at why their social studies teacher had dressed up in old clothes.

In the context of this sentence, what is the denotation of the word baffled?

A.) Amused

B.) Confused

C.) Embarrassed

D.) Shocked

D. Shocked

500

The election had been two days ago and after the results were announced, Maria smiled weakly at her opponent and have him a reluctant handshake. She was somewhat cold to those in the room who she knew voted against her. She was a strong-willed girl and did not show her defeat, but everyone knew that the results made her upset. 

What does the word strong-willed connote about Maria?

1. Maria is enjoyable

2. Maria is stubborn

3. Maria is muscular

4. Maria is mean

2. Maria is stubborn

500

Think about the meaning of the italicized word. Which word expresses the same idea but with the greatest intensity?

After the month-long battle, much of the farmland was ruined.

1. Wrecked

2. Damaged

3. Devastated 

3. Devastated

500

Using context clues, choose the correct word that fits into the sentence.

The president _____ for a moment to see how his opponent would react to the statement.

1.) Delayed

2.) Hesitated

1. Delayed

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