Question

In a novel, the author describes a character as “slender” rather than “skinny.” What is the most likely reason for this word choice?
A.
To highlight the exact physical size of the character (denotative meaning)
B.
To suggest the character is weak and frail.
C.
To convey a more positive impression of the character’s appearance (connotative meaning)
D.
To show that the character is sickly and unattractive

Answer 1

C. To convey a more positive impression of the character’s appearance (connotative meaning)

"Slender" has a more favorable, graceful connotation than "skinny," which often implies undernourished or unattractive.