Connotation vs. Denotation and Pedantic vs. Simple Quiz

Connotation vs. Denotation

• Connotation refers to the implied or non-literal meaning of a word, which can have both positive and negative connotations.
• Example: Red roses are a symbol for Valentine's Day and love, implying romance and affection.
• Denotation refers to the literal and dictionary definition of a word, without evoking emotions.
• Example: Red roses are thorny, red-colored flowers.

Pedantic vs. Simple

• Pedantic refers to an adjective used to describe something in a highly scholarly level, often to show off.
• Example: Using complex words like "inefficacious" and "kindred" to describe a simple comparison.
• Simple refers to something that is easily understandable or straightforward.
• Example: Describing a similarity between two people in simple terms.

Monosyllabic vs. Polysyllabic

• Monosyllabic refers to a word or sound that only has one syllable.
• Examples: Yes, no, scraunched, big, soft.
• Polysyllabic refers to a word or sound that has multiple syllables.
• Examples: Children, telephone, backpack, poster, project.

Euphonious vs. Cacophonic

• Euphonious refers to a sound that is pleasing to the ear.
• Example: Describing a singer's voice as euphonious.
• Cacophonic refers to a blend of disharmonious sounds.
• Example: Describing a singer's voice as cacophonic.

Literal vs. Figurative

• Literal refers to the exact original meaning of the text.
• Example: "It rained a lot" means it literally rained a lot.
• Figurative refers to the metaphorical meaning of the text, away from the literal meaning.
• Example: "It rained cats and dogs" means it rained heavily, but not literally.

Active vs. Passive

• Active refers to the subject performing the action.
• Example: "The mechanic drove the car" means the mechanic performed the action.
• Passive refers to the subject receiving the action.
• Example: "The car was driven by the mechanic" means the car received the action.

Overstated vs. Understated

• Overstated refers to describing or explaining something in a way that makes it more important than it really is.
• Example: Exaggerating Beyonce's presence on a stage.
• Understated refers to describing or explaining something in a way that makes it seem less important than it really is.
• Example: Downplaying Beyonce's success as a singer.

Colloquial vs. Formal

• Colloquial refers to language used in regular conversation, often informal.
• Examples: "Gonna", "wanna", "old as the hills", "he needs to step up to the plate".
• Formal refers to language that is more grammatically correct and serious in conversation.
• Examples: "Sincerely, we regret to inform you", "in spite of the fact".

Non-Standard Language

• Slang refers to vocabulary used between people who share the same social group or who know each other well.
• Examples: "Ya'll" and "Bae".
• Jargon refers to terms used by people of a specific group in a formal setting.
• Examples: Police Jargon, such as "10-4" (meaning "Okay") and "mirandize" (meaning to read someone their rights).