DENOTATIONS AND CONNOTATIONS

The connotation of a word is its...

• dictionary definition

• literal meaning

• negative meaning

• suggested meaning

Answer explanation

Connotation refers to a meaning that is implied or suggested by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly.

What is the DENOTATION of the word black?

• Evil

• A colour

• Death

• Nighttime

What is the CONNOTATION of a dove?

• a feathered bird

• peace

• harmony

• love

What is the DENOTATION of the word knife?

• a sharp object used for cutting

• a symbol used to show victory

• a symbol of aggression

• a symbol of freedom

Which adjective(s) have a positive connotation?

• childish

• childlike

• sensible

• foolish

Is the word politician used in a positive, negative or neutral way in the following sentence?

He is such a good politician; he can always manage to pass even the most corrupt laws.

• positive

• negative

• neutral

Answer explanation

Definitely negative. You need to look at the word 'corrupt' which means dishonest or unprincipled. A good politician should not behave in a dishonest way.

Select the best word to complete the following sentence so that it makes sense:

She ------- (stared/looked steadily/gazed) lovingly into the eyes of the person she was about to marry.

Answer explanation

gazed because it has the most positive meaning

It is common for people from remote cultures to get questioned about their traditional practices because people are....

• nosy

• rude

• curious

• indifferent

Answer explanation

There is no suggestion here that the statement is negative. Nosy and rude have negative connotations. Indifferent means uninterested. Only 'curious' is positive

When you are a teenager, you always feel your parents are ------- on you because they do not trust you. They might secretly read your texts or look at your Facebook posts.

• observing

• watching

• spying

• glaring

Answer explanation

A bit tricky. We are obviously looking for a negative word because of the context clues. No teenager likes to feel they are being 'watched' by their parents. But there is a hint that the action is happening in secret. So, 'spying' is the only negative connotation we can choose. 'Glaring' means to stare at someone angrily just like the emoji so would not fit.

The students never cleaned their rooms and there was a terrible --------- from their corridor.

• aroma

• stench

• perfume

• stink