Connotation And Diction
A connotation is a commonly understood cultural or emotional association that some word or phrase carries, in addition to its explicit or literal meaning, which is its denotation. The quiz below will help you test and polish up on your understanding of connotations. Give it a try and all the best!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Rewrite the following paragraph to persuade an academic audience.Morality in The Road is kind of weird because the main guy tells his son that they are the good guys, but he doesn't hesitate to kill or steal in order to survive. Sure, lots of other people around them are also doing it, but none of the other guys are claiming to be good guys. In fact, the whole idea of morals seems to get a little mixed-up cause everyone is basically just trying to survive in whatever way they can. Still, it does seem like the man is a lot more moral than the others based off of the fact that he doesn't just join one of the big gangs and become a cannibal.
- 2.
Choose the word whose connotation best fits the sentence.“The sooner we move out of this (home, dump),” said Jack, “the happier I’ll be.”
- A.
Home
- B.
Dump
Correct Answer
B. DumpExplanation
In this sentence, Jack expresses his desire to move out of the place they are currently living in. The word "dump" has a negative connotation and implies that the place is unpleasant or in poor condition. Therefore, it is the word that best fits the sentence as it conveys Jack's dissatisfaction with their current living situation.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
Choose the word whose connotation best fits the sentence.This cell phone is (expensive, overpriced), but I don’t mind paying extra because it has so many useful features.
- A.
Expensive
- B.
Overpriced
Correct Answer
A. ExpensiveExplanation
The word "expensive" best fits the sentence because it implies that the cell phone has a high cost, but the speaker doesn't mind paying extra for it because of its useful features. "Overpriced" could also be a possible answer, but it conveys a negative connotation of the cell phone being priced higher than it should be, which doesn't align with the speaker's willingness to pay extra.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
You’re lucky to have Wilma on your committee. She has lots of (original, crazy) ideas.
- A.
Original
- B.
Crazy
Correct Answer
A. OriginalExplanation
Wilma is considered lucky to have on the committee because she brings a unique and innovative perspective. Her ideas are not conventional or predictable, but rather unconventional and out-of-the-box. This suggests that she can contribute fresh and creative solutions to problems or discussions within the committee, making her a valuable asset.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
Boss Reed and his (cronies, employees) have controlled the politics in this city for more than twenty years. I certainly hope the other party wins this year!
- A.
Cronies
- B.
Employees
Correct Answer
A. CroniesExplanation
The word "cronies" refers to a close group of friends or associates who support and work together with someone, often for personal gain or to maintain power. In this context, it suggests that Boss Reed and his group have been in control of the city's politics for a long time, indicating a close-knit and possibly corrupt relationship. The use of "cronies" implies that the speaker hopes for a change in power and the defeat of Boss Reed and his allies.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
It was a beautiful spring day, and the (stench, scent) of apple blossoms filled the whole yard.
- A.
Stench
- B.
Scent
Correct Answer
B. ScentExplanation
The word "stench" refers to a strong and unpleasant smell, while the word "scent" refers to a pleasant or fragrant smell. In the given sentence, it is mentioned that it was a beautiful spring day, implying that the smell in the yard would be pleasant. Therefore, the correct answer is "scent" as it aligns with the context of the sentence.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
I hope I don’t have to share an office with Janice. Sandra told me how (curious, nosy) she can be.
- A.
Curious
- B.
Nosy
Correct Answer
B. NosyExplanation
The correct answer is "nosy" because Sandra mentioned that Janice can be curious and nosy. This implies that Janice has a tendency to pry into other people's business and ask intrusive questions, which aligns with the definition of "nosy."Rate this question:
-
- 8.
“I think Fay is an excellent president,” said the principal. “She really knows how to (manage, meddle).”
- A.
Manage
- B.
Meddle
Correct Answer
A. ManageExplanation
The principal's statement suggests that Fay is a competent and effective president. The word "manage" implies that Fay is skilled at organizing and controlling the affairs of the organization, indicating that she is capable of leading and making decisions in a responsible and efficient manner. This aligns with the positive opinion expressed by the principal.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
Will you please turn your stereo off? I can’t concentrate with all that (music, noise).
- A.
Music
- B.
Noise
Correct Answer
B. NoiseExplanation
The speaker is requesting the person to turn off their stereo because it is causing a distraction and hindering their ability to concentrate. The term "noise" is used to describe the unwanted sound that is being produced by the stereo, which is why it is the correct answer.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
What makes Jim such an excellent storyteller is his knack for (invention, lying).
- A.
Invention
- B.
Lying
Correct Answer
A. InventionExplanation
Jim's excellent storytelling ability stems from his knack for invention. This implies that Jim is skilled at creating imaginative and creative narratives, which captivate his audience. His stories are likely to be original and unique, showcasing his ability to think outside the box and come up with engaging plots and characters. Through his inventive storytelling, Jim is able to entertain and captivate his listeners, making him an excellent storyteller.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
Can you please ask the new saleswoman not to be so (enthusiastic, pushy)? She is scaring away the customers.
- A.
Enthusiastic
- B.
Pushy
Correct Answer
B. PushyExplanation
The given correct answer is "pushy". In the context of the sentence, the speaker is asking for the new saleswoman to be less pushy. This suggests that the saleswoman is being overly aggressive or forceful in her approach, which is causing the customers to feel uncomfortable or scared. Therefore, the word "pushy" accurately describes the behavior that needs to be addressed in order to improve the situation.Rate this question:
-
Back to top