Learning English Vocabulary Lesson 14a – CONNOTATIONS
English vocabulary practice for the ADVANCED English language learner. In this lesson I explain the importance of knowing connotations (word associations), and I offer exercises to check your understanding. This is PART ONE of a lesson in two parts. (You’ll also learn about my decision to become a YouTube Guru!)
What is a connotation?
A word’s denotation is its dictionary meaning. Its connotation is the feeling or idea people connect with it – positive, negative or neutral. Words with similar meanings can have very different connotations, so choosing the right one makes your English sound natural and polite.
| Positive | Neutral | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| slim | thin | skinny |
| confident | sure of himself | arrogant |
| thrifty | careful with money | stingy / cheap |
| curious | interested | nosy |
| youthful | young | childish |
Practice
Choose the word with a positive connotation:
- My grandmother is very (thrifty / stingy). She never wastes anything.
- Our new manager is (confident / arrogant) and good at making decisions.
- Children are naturally (nosy / curious) about the world.
Answers: 1. thrifty 2. confident 3. curious
Continue with Lesson 14b: Connotations (part 2).
Learning Vocabulary Lessons
