Vocabulary and Word Skills Set 5
Vocabulary and Word Skills Set 5 covers two related skills: words that change meaning entirely depending on context, such as bark, bank or light, and the shades of meaning, or connotation, that separate near-synonyms with a similar core meaning but a different positive, negative or neutral feel, such as slim versus skinny, or confident versus arrogant.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- When a word could have more than one meaning, always check the surrounding sentence for clues about which meaning is intended, since context, not the word alone, decides the correct meaning.
- Look especially at the word class the word is playing in that sentence, since some multiple-meaning words change meaning depending on which word class they are used as.
- When comparing two near-synonyms, first check that their core, dictionary meaning really is similar, since true synonyms share a similar central meaning even where their feel differs.
- Decide whether each word carries a positive, negative or neutral connotation, the emotional colouring a word carries beyond its bare dictionary meaning.
- Choose between near-synonyms based on the tone the sentence needs, since using a word with the wrong connotation can make a sentence sound unintentionally rude, exaggerated or too weak.
- When explaining a difference in connotation, describe the feeling or judgement each word suggests, not just repeat that one sounds nicer, since examiners want the specific emotional shade named.
Worked example
Explain the difference in connotation between 'curious' and 'nosy' in the sentences: 'The curious child asked question after question.' and 'The nosy neighbour asked question after question.'
- Check the core, dictionary meaning of both words: both 'curious' and 'nosy' describe someone who wants to find out information, so their central meaning is genuinely similar.
- Consider the connotation of 'curious': it usually carries a positive or neutral connotation, suggesting an admirable eagerness to learn or understand.
- Consider the connotation of 'nosy': it usually carries a negative connotation, suggesting someone is being unwantedly or rudely interested in things that are not their business.
- Link each word to its sentence: describing the child as curious presents their questioning as a positive trait, while describing the neighbour as nosy presents the same behaviour as intrusive or unwelcome.
- Final answer: 'curious' and 'nosy' share a similar core meaning, wanting to know things, but 'curious' carries a positive connotation, suggesting healthy interest, while 'nosy' carries a negative connotation, suggesting unwelcome prying, even though both describe similar behaviour.
Practice questions
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Q1The word 'bank' appears in two sentences: 'She deposited the cheque at the bank.' and 'The children rolled down the grassy bank.' Explain the two different meanings.Show answer
Answer: In the first sentence, 'bank' means a financial institution where money is kept; in the second, it means a sloped area of raised ground, often beside a river or field.
Q2The word 'bark' could mean the sound a dog makes or the outer covering of a tree. Which meaning fits in 'The dog's bark echoed across the yard'?Show answer
Answer: The sound a dog makes, a loud, sharp noise.
Q3Explain the difference in connotation between 'thrifty' and 'stingy', two words for someone careful with money.Show answer
Answer: 'Thrifty' has a positive connotation, suggesting sensible, careful spending; 'stingy' has a negative connotation, suggesting someone is unwilling to spend money even when they should, often seen as mean.
Q4Explain the difference in connotation between 'assertive' and 'bossy' when describing someone who gives instructions confidently.Show answer
Answer: 'Assertive' has a positive connotation, suggesting confident, reasonable firmness; 'bossy' has a negative connotation, suggesting someone gives orders in an unwelcome or overbearing way.
Q5The word 'light' appears in 'Please turn on the light.' and 'The suitcase felt surprisingly light.' Explain the two meanings.Show answer
Answer: In the first sentence, 'light' is a noun meaning a source of brightness or illumination; in the second, it is an adjective meaning not heavy.
Q6A pupil describes a character as 'unusual' in one draft and 'weird' in another, to describe the same behaviour. Explain the difference in connotation between these two words.Show answer
Answer: 'Unusual' is a fairly neutral word, simply meaning uncommon or different from what is normal, whereas 'weird' has a more negative connotation, suggesting the behaviour is strange in a way that might unsettle or unnerve others.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
The word 'novel' can be a noun, a long fictional book, or an adjective, new and unusual. Explain which meaning is used in each of these sentences: 'She borrowed a novel from the library.' and 'The scientist proposed a novel solution to the problem.' (2 marks)
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Compare the connotations of 'ambitious' and 'ruthless' when describing someone determined to succeed at work. Explain the shade of meaning each word suggests, giving a short example sentence for one of them. (4 marks)
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The word 'fine' has several possible meanings, including of good quality, acceptable, a payment for breaking a rule, and, as an adjective, very thin or delicate. Choose the correct meaning of 'fine' in each of these two sentences and explain your reasoning: 'The library charged him a fine for the overdue book.' and 'The scarf was woven from fine silk thread.' (3 marks)
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Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the vocabulary and word skills set 5 worksheet pack - 13 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. One email opens every download in this browser for 14 days - no account, no card. Print it for personal and classroom use.
This topic is chapter 25 of 11+ English Workbook 3, the whole course as one free printable PDF.
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