Question

read the sample sentences. then, answer the question that follows.
stephen can be pushy when trying to get his way.
stephen can be persuasive when trying to get his way.
which statement best explains the nuance between pushy and persuasive?

pushy implies irritating, while persuasive implies violent.
both words have negative connotations.
pushy implies irritating, while persuasive implies convincing.
both words have positive connotations.

Explanation:

Analyze the word meanings

Using the Denotation and Connotation and Word Nuance knowledge points

• "Pushy" has a negative connotation, implying someone is overly aggressive, demanding, or irritating.
• "Persuasive" has a positive connotation, implying someone is convincing, influential, or skilled at winning others over.

Evaluate the options

Using the Word Nuance knowledge point

• Option 1: "Persuasive" does not imply violence.
• Option 2: "Persuasive" is positive, not negative.
• Option 3: Correctly identifies "pushy" as irritating (negative) and "persuasive" as convincing (positive).
• Option 4: "Pushy" is negative, not positive.

Answer:

• Pushy implies irritating, while persuasive implies violent.
• Both words have negative connotations.
• Pushy implies irritating, while persuasive implies convincing. (Correct answer)
• Both words have positive connotations.