Question

drag each sentence to indicate whether the underlined word has a more negative or less negative connotation. (1 point)
more negative connotation less negative connotation
the candidate tried hard not to vilify or slander his opponent in the press.
when the actor didnt mention his wife in his speech, everyone perceived it as a slight.
the other guests were uncomfortable when he tried to denigrate the host and call into question his character.
the awards committee snubbed the actor for his inflammatory remarks in the press.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the connotation of each underlined word:

More Negative Connotation:

• “vilify”: Means to speak ill of someone in a very harsh, defamatory way. Paired with “slander,” it has a strong negative tone.
• “denigrate”: Implies criticizing or belittling someone’s character severely, which is highly negative.

Less Negative Connotation:

• “slight”: Here, it means a minor insult or oversight (e.g., not mentioning someone), which is less severe than “vilify” or “denigrate.”
• “snubbed”: Means to ignore or reject, but in this context, it is a response to “inflammatory remarks” and is less harsh than actively attacking someone’s character (like “vilify” or “denigrate”).

Final Categorization:

• More Negative Connotation:
• The candidate tried hard not to vilify or slander his opponent in the press.
• The other guests were uncomfortable when he tried to denigrate the host and call into question his character.

• Less Negative Connotation:
• When the actor didn’t mention his wife in his speech, everyone perceived it as a slight.
• The awards committee snubbed the actor for his inflammatory remarks in the press.

Answer:

• More Negative Connotation:
• The candidate tried hard not to vilify or slander his opponent in the press.
• The other guests were uncomfortable when he tried to denigrate the host and call into question his character.
• Less Negative Connotation:
• When the actor didn’t mention his wife in his speech, everyone perceived it as a slight.
• The awards committee snubbed the actor for his inflammatory remarks in the press.