Synonyms and Antonyms — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
Mom is so stingy because she saves money for our family vacations every summer.
Corrected: Mom is so thrifty because she saves money for our family vacations every summer.
Stingy carries a negative shade of meaning. Thrifty has a positive connotation that fits a parent saving for a family trip.
2. Fix the sentence:
The arrogant speaker smiled kindly and thanked everyone who helped during the long project.
Corrected: The confident speaker smiled kindly and thanked everyone who helped during the long project.
Arrogant has a negative connotation of pride. Confident shows positive self-assurance, matching the speaker's kindness.
3. Fix the sentence:
Maya is nosy about science, so she reads every book in the school library shelves.
Corrected: Maya is curious about science, so she reads every book in the school library shelves.
Nosy carries a negative shade of meaning about prying. Curious has a positive connotation that fits eager learning.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A synonym for careful with money that has a positive connotation is thrifty.
Thrifty has a positive shade of meaning, while stingy carries a negative connotation about being unwilling to share.
2. A synonym for self-assured with a positive connotation, not negative, is confident.
Confident shows positive self-assurance, while arrogant has a negative connotation suggesting too much pride.
3. A positive synonym for wanting to learn, not prying into others, is curious.
Curious carries a positive shade of meaning about eager learning. Nosy has a negative connotation about prying.
4. A synonym for slim with a positive, flattering connotation is slender.
Slender carries a positive connotation, while skinny can have a negative shade of meaning depending on context.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Compare thrifty and stingy. Which has a positive connotation and which has a negative one? Explain.
Sample answer: Thrifty has a positive connotation because it praises careful saving. Stingy has a negative connotation because it suggests an unwillingness to share, even though both relate to money.
Synonyms can share a basic meaning yet carry different connotations. Choosing the right one shows the precise shade of meaning.
2. Compare curious and nosy. Which connotation is positive and which is negative? Explain.
Sample answer: Curious has a positive connotation about wanting to learn new things. Nosy has a negative connotation about prying into private matters, even though both involve interest.
Grade 4 writers pick precise synonyms whose connotations match the message they want to send to the reader.