Denotation and Connotation Test

Define the term "denotation"

Define the term "connotation"

Connotations refers to a meaning that is implied by a word. Connotations are often decided by cultural and emotional meanings. If someone called you childish, would it be considered a negative or positive connotation?

• negative

• positive

• denotative

• tone

. 

Which phrase has a negative connotation?

• thrifty persom

• stingy person

Choose the word that best completes the sentence. Hint: Determine the connotation (positive or negative) through context clues.

My friend is very careful about spending money. I admire that, so I call him _____

• miserly

• cheap

• thrifty

• selfish

Choose the word that best completes the sentence. Hint: Determine the connotation (positive or negative) through context clues.

Although the problem was difficult to resolve, Sandra and John were ________________ in searching for an answer. Their teacher was quite proud.

• persistent

• bullheaded

• headstrong

• stubborn

Which phrase has negative connotation?

• a box filled with documents

• a box crammed with documents

The teacher was mildly intimated by Merdine's bossy behavior. If you change the word bossy to assertive, the word now has a ____ connotation.

• positive

• negative

Reread paragraph 12 of Rosa Parks: My Story to determine the connotation of key words.

From the autobiography Rosa Parks: My Story.

12 At the city desk they filled out the necessary forms as I answered questions such as what my name was and where I lived. I asked if I could make a telephone call and they said, “No.” Since that was my first arrest, I didn’t know if that was more discrimination because I was black or if it was standard practice. But it seemed to me to be more discrimination. Then they escorted me back to the squad car, and we went to the city jail on North Ripley Street.

What is the intended connotation of the word discrimination? Is it a negative or positive connotation? what does the word imply?

Read the excerpt from Medusa's Gaze and Vampire's Bite: Defined as horrible and behold and a threat to all who cross them, monsters are creatures we run from and beasts we warn our children about. Yet something about them is enticing, mesmerizing, and addictive. Terrible as they may be, we cannot help even looking closer, parting the fingers that are covering our eyes. There is no getting around it. Something deep inside monsters fascinates us.

Look at the underlined words. What two words show a positive connotation?