Students learn that words carry not only a dictionary meaning (denotation) but also a feeling (connotation) — so “thrifty” and “cheap” can mean almost the same thing yet feel completely different.
Students will be able to…
Would you rather be called “confident” or “cocky”? They’re close in meaning — so why does one feel like a compliment and the other an insult?
Project this and sort each word by its connotation — the feeling it gives. Many mean almost the same thing but feel very different!
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
“Confident” vs. “cocky” — same idea, different feeling?
Teacher models.
Class uses the tool.
Students analyze connotation.
Students share a pair.
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
Distinguish among the connotations of words with similar denotations.
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language and word relationships.
Determine the meaning of unknown words using context and references.
Determine the meaning of words including figurative and connotative meanings.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students list several near-synonyms (slim, slender, skinny, scrawny) and rank them from most positive to most negative feeling. A printable connotation-ladder sheet is in the ELA library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.