: Read the following pairs of words and explain how the connotation of each word differs from the denotation.

1. cheap/inexpensive

2. skinny/slender

3. stubborn/persevering

4. aggressive/assertive

5. lazy/relaxed

Connotation refers to the feelings, ideas or the imaginative emotional associations with the word.

Denotation refers to the actual literal meaning of a word or its dictionary meaning. There are no feelings, ideas or emotions attached to the word, it just describes the direct meaning of the word.

Explanation:

1. Cheap/inexpensive:

Cheap is the connotative word meaning someone is behaving ‘cheap’ or frugal.  

Inexpensive is the denotative word literally meaning that something that is less expensive or costs less.

2. Skinny/slender:

Skinny is connotative expressing someone who is very thin and looking unhealthy and with a poor physical appearance

Slender is denotative meaning that the person is looking slim and slender yet healthy and provides a positive outlook

3. Stubborn/persevering

Stubborn is connotative and means someone who is headstrong, strong-willed, tough, decisive, determined and cannot be manipulated.  

Persevering is more denotative and means someone who is very patient and determined in the positive way and continuously tries for something until succeeding.

4. Aggressive/assertive

Aggressive is connotative meaning someone who is strong willed, bold, highly competitive, and confronting.

Assertive is denotative refers a person who is level-headed yet strong, straightforward person

5. Lazy/relaxed:

Lazy is connotative and refers negatively to someone who does not like to work and stay relaxed always

Relaxed is a denotative meaning referring to someone who is taking a break or rest in between some task but feel positive and unstressed.