Denotation and Connotation Worksheet

Name:

Date:

Dictionary and word meanings illustration

📖 Part 1: Understanding Key Terms

1. Match each term to its correct definition by drawing a line:

Denotation

Connotation

The feelings or ideas that a word suggests

The dictionary meaning of a word

2. Which word has a more positive connotation? Circle your answer:

slim or skinny

childlike or childish

✏️ Part 2: Word Pairs Analysis

Instructions: For each word pair below, complete the boxes with the denotation (dictionary meaning), connotation (feelings/ideas), and write a sentence showing your understanding.

3. Word Pair: FLAKING and CRUMBLING

Denotation (what they both mean): ________________________

Connotation (feelings each word creates):

Flaking: ________________________

Crumbling: ________________________

Sentence using one word:

4. Word Pair: FADED and WORN

Denotation: ________________________

Connotation:

Faded: ________________________

Worn: ________________________

Sentence using one word:

5. Word Pair: GLEAMING and SHINY

Denotation: ________________________

Connotation:

Gleaming: ________________________

Shiny: ________________________

Sentence using one word:

6. Word Pair: ANCIENT and OLD

Denotation: ________________________

Connotation:

Ancient: ________________________

Old: ________________________

Sentence using one word:

7. Word Pair: FRAGILE and DELICATE

Denotation: ________________________

Connotation:

Fragile: ________________________

Delicate: ________________________

Sentence using one word:

🎯 Part 3: Creative Challenge

8. Choose TWO words from the pairs above and write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) that shows their different connotations. Underline your chosen words.

9. Extension: Can you think of your own word pair with different connotations? Write them here and explain the difference:

Word 1: _____________ Word 2: _____________