Final answer:
Leisurely is a word with a positive connotation for 'without haste or urgency,' while sluggish has a negative connotation for the same denotation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question involves finding both a positive and a negative word for the denotation "without haste or urgency." When considering the connotative meanings of words, they can take on different implications based on their use in context.
A word such as 'leisurely' may carry a positive connotation, suggesting a relaxed and unhurried tempo, which can be admirable in situations that benefit from calmness and reflection. Conversely, 'sluggish' carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of energy or speed that may be frustrating in contexts that require promptness or efficiency.
Connotation refers to the emotional, cultural, or suggested implications and associations that a word carries beyond its literal meaning. It's the extra layer of meaning that a word may evoke, beyond its dictionary definition.
For example:
The word "home" has positive connotations, often associated with warmth, comfort, and security.
"Snake" might carry negative connotations related to deceit or danger.
Connotations can vary among different people or cultures, influenced by personal experiences, societal contexts, or historical usage of words. Understanding connotations is essential in effective communication because words can carry subtle shades of meaning or emotional weight beyond their basic definitions, impacting how they're interpreted and received.