Which word has a negative connotation?

• A. deceptive
• B. clever
• C. astute
• D. ingenious

Answer: (A)

Connotation matters: a word’s emotional charge goes beyond its literal definition. Deceptive carries a negative feel because it implies dishonesty and trickery, suggesting someone intends to mislead. That moral judgment is what makes it glow with disapproval. The other terms—clever, astute, ingenious—highlight intelligence or creativity and are generally read positively, signaling resourcefulness or skill rather than wrongdoing. So the negative emotional load here comes from the idea of deception and dishonesty attached to the word.