WordValeconnotation
an idea or feeling a word evokes
an idea or feeling a word evokes beyond its literal meaning
the associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning
In more detail
the feeling or idea that a word suggests in addition to its basic meaning, separate from its literal definition
Examples
- The word 'thrifty' has a positive connotation, while 'stingy' has a negative one even though they both mean spending little money.
How to use connotation
Connotation refers to the emotional, cultural, or associative baggage a word carries beyond its strict dictionary definition. It is commonly discussed in linguistics, literary analysis, and communication contexts to explain why similar words can have different social or emotional effects. The term is often contrasted with denotation, which is the literal, explicit meaning.
Common phrases
- positive connotation
- negative connotation
- cultural connotation
- carries a connotation of
- connotation of something
Synonyms
implication · undertone · suggestion · association · nuance
Opposites
denotation · literal meaning
Word family
connotative (adjective) · connotatively (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use connotation when they mean denotation, or fail to recognize that connotations are subjective and can vary across cultures, regions, and time periods.
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