Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word; whereas, connotation is the feeling or emotional attachment to the word. For example, there is a different connotation for both of the following words: slim and emaciated. Although they both have the same definition, there is a different connotation associated with each. The word slim has a more positive connotation: in other words, we would probably assume that someone who is slim is fit and healthy. The word emaciated has a negative connotation: it gives the impression that the person is unhealthy, withered, or weak.
Directions: One the first line, write the denotation of the given vocabulary word from Act Four. On the second line, write the word which has the most negative connotation of each of the underlined words.
Finally, explain why this particular word has the most negative connotation—in other words, what images come to mind when hearing this word? An example has been done for you.
Example: apparition
Denotation: a ghostly figure; a sudden or unusual sight Word with most negative connotation: d. ghoul
a. The homeowner claims to have seen an apparition in the hallway of the old house.
b. The homeowner claims to have seen a vision in the hallway of the old house.
c. The homeowner claims to have seen a presence in the hallway of the old house.
d. The homeowner claims to have seen a ghoul in the hallway of the old house.
Image: I see a glowing transparent-green figure pointing at me with his long, bony finger.
1. chastisement Denotation:
Word with most negative connotation:
a. Janie received ten full minutes of chastisement when she arrived home after curfew.
b. Janie received ten full minutes of discipline when she arrived home after curfew.
c. Janie received ten full minutes of scolding when she arrived home after curfew.
d. Janie received ten full minutes of lecture when she arrived home after curfew.
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2. engendered Denotation:
Word with most negative connotation:
a. The Hastings girls were naturally engendered with beauty, brains, and a kind demeanor.
b. The Hastings girls were naturally concocted with beauty, brains, and a kind demeanor.
c. The Hastings girls were naturally produced with beauty, brains, and a kind demeanor.
d. The Hastings girls were naturally created with beauty, brains, and a kind demeanor.
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3. ensign Denotation:
Word with most negative connotation:
a. The American ship displayed its ensign as it entered the harbor.
b. The American ship displayed its cloth as it entered the harbor.
c. The American ship displayed its flag as it entered the harbor.
d. The American ship displayed its rag as it entered the harbor.
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Act Four Vocabulary
Assessment Preparation: Connotation/Denotation
4. envenomed Denotation:
Word with most negative connotation:
a. After sitting in traffic, Jessica became more and more envenomed that she lived in the city.
b. After sitting in traffic, Jessica became more and more angry that she lived in the city.
c. After sitting in traffic, Jessica became more and more mad that she lived in the city.
d. After sitting in traffic, Jessica became more and more annoyed that she lived in the city.
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5. exigent Denotation:
Word with most negative connotation:
a. Monica quit her job because of her exigent and uncompromising boss.
b. Monica quit her job because of her tough and uncompromising boss.
c. Monica quit her job because of her challenging and uncompromising boss.
d. Monica quit her job because of her demanding and uncompromising boss.
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6. fret Denotation:
Word with most negative connotation:
a. “Don’t fret,” Kahlid said reassuringly, “you will find your wallet somewhere.”
b. “Don’t agonize,” Kahlid said reassuringly, “you will find your wallet somewhere.”
c. “Don’t sweat” Kahlid said reassuringly, “you will find your wallet somewhere.”
d. “Don’t fuss,” Kahlid said reassuringly, “you will find your wallet somewhere.”
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7. gallant Denotation:
Word with most negative connotation:
a. A gallant young man, Jeff opened the car door for his date.
b. A domineering young man, Jeff opened the car door for his date.
c. A valiant young man, Jeff opened the car door for his date.
d. A chivalrous young man, Jeff opened the car door for his date.
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8. levying Denotation:
Word with most negative connotation:
a. Claire proposed levying a higher tax on all supplies bought from the student store.
b. Claire proposed imposing a higher tax on all supplies bought from the student store.
c. Claire proposed putting a higher tax on all supplies bought from the student store.
d. Claire proposed introducing a higher tax on all supplies bought from the student store.
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Act Four Vocabulary
Assessment Preparation: Connotation/Denotation
9. presume Denotation:
Word with most negative connotation:
a. One should not presume they know someone by their appearance alone.
b. One should not believe they know someone by their appearance alone.
c. One should not deduce they know someone by their appearance alone.
d. One should not guess they know someone by their appearance alone.
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10. provender Denotation:
Word with most negative connotation:
a. The cows’ provender consisted of a healthy blend of barley and grains.
b. The cows’ victuals consisted of a healthy blend of barley and grains.
c. The cows’ cuisine consisted of a healthy blend of barley and grains.
d. The cows’ chow consisted of a healthy blend of barley and grains.
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11. vex Denotation:
Word with most negative connotation:
a. Whenever he got the chance, Raymond worked diligently to vex his younger brother.
b. Whenever he got the chance, Raymond worked diligently to perplex his younger brother.
c. Whenever he got the chance, Raymond worked diligently to torment his younger brother.
d. Whenever he got the chance, Raymond worked diligently to bother his younger brother.
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