connotation

USAGE SUMMARY

'connotation' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to refer to the implied or associated meaning of a word or phrase, especially when contrasted with its literal or primary meaning. For example, the phrase “giving the cold shoulder” has positive connotations of rejecting someone or something in a polite way.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A proposition is necessarily true in the case of connotative names just in case that the connotation of the names is by convention the same, as in 'Bachelors are unmarried'.

SEP

Because these androgynous males were commonly married to a masculine man, or had sex with men, and the masculine females had feminine women as wives, the term berdache had a clear homosexual connotation.

The Guardian - Music

His comments about Mr Fabius, he insisted, "had no religious connotation"; the phrase was common in French.

The Economist

Arthur Hull, a 53-year-old Californian who is considered the father of drum circles in America, says: "It no longer has the bad connotation of hippie thunder-drumming.

The Economist

Charles Kennedy and the riddle of Romsey Blue rinse Reprints Related topics Peter Mandelson David Trimble Political policy International relations Peace TalksIn fact the IRA offer amounts to a creative redefinition of decommissioning, which avoids the destruction or surrender of weaponry, and thus any connotation of defeat or apology on the part of the republican movement.

The Economist

The definition of "wife" is open to question too: Gnostic writing also features terms such as "bridal chamber", used without any connotation of sexual intimacy.In this section Virtual relations Launderers Anonymous Brideshead revisited ReprintsNor is it unusual for other ancient texts to differ from the Bible's four "canonical" gospels.

The Economist

Now even the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission, America's main markets watchdog, says they have shed their "distinctly negative connotation" and may be a force for good by helping improve how public companies are run.

The Economist

The term has a rather humorous sexual connotation which probably does not apply to either Barack Obama or Angela Merkel.

The Economist

Both seem like government "endorsements" of religion, even if the latter carries a stronger connotation thereof.Despite its limitations, the endorsement test goes a long way toward accounting for what's wrong with certain government-sponsored religious messages and programmes.

The Economist

In both cases the slang sexual connotation has overtaken the original one.Personal ads provide an entire subgenre of euphemism.

The Economist

It would be easy to shrug it off as an unfortunate connotation of an innocent use of "place", but like the use of "spook" in Philip Roth's "The Human Stain", it wasn't coincidence at all.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing literature or rhetoric, use "connotation" to discuss how word choices shape audience perception beyond literal definitions. Be specific about the emotions and associations the words evoke.

Common error

Avoid using "connotation" when you actually mean denotation. Denotation is the literal definition of a word, while "connotation" includes the associated feelings and ideas. Using the wrong term can lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "connotation" is as a noun. It refers to the implied or associative meaning of a word or expression, beyond its literal definition. As confirmed by Ludwig, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "connotation" is a noun used to describe the implied or associative meaning of a word or phrase, beyond its literal definition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable term in written English, and it appears frequently in various contexts, from scientific discussions to news articles. Understanding "connotation" is crucial for analyzing language and rhetoric, as it helps uncover the subtle ways in which word choices shape perception and evoke emotions. While it's important to distinguish "connotation" from denotation, mastering its use can greatly enhance the precision and depth of your writing. Remember, explore beyond dictionary definitions to discover the true power of words and their emotional weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implied meaning

Focuses on the meaning that is suggested but not explicitly stated, shifting emphasis from the word itself to the message conveyed.

associated meaning

Highlights the connections and implications that are linked to a word, altering the focus from inherent qualities to linked attributes.

secondary meaning

Emphasizes that the meaning is not the primary or literal one, differing by specifying its rank among possible meanings.

suggested meaning

Focuses on the meaning that is hinted at or implied, unlike direct or explicit denotation.

subtle implication

Indicates an indirect and delicate suggestion of meaning, highlighting its indirectness.

emotional coloring

Highlights the emotional aspect that colors the literal meaning, focusing on the emotional impact.

underlying sense

Emphasizes the deeper, less obvious sense, diverging from surface-level understanding.

nuance

Refers to a subtle difference or distinction in meaning, changing the focus to delicate variations.

overtone

Suggests an additional or implicit meaning beyond the explicit one, emphasizing its supplementary nature.

implication

Refers to something suggested as naturally to be inferred or understood, changing the emphasis to the inferred aspect of meaning.

FAQs

How do you use "connotation" in a sentence?

You can use "connotation" to describe the implied or associative meaning of a word, such as: "The "connotation of the word" 'home' is often warmth and comfort."

What's the difference between "connotation" and denotation?

"Connotation" refers to the emotional and cultural associations of a word, while denotation is its literal, dictionary definition. For example, the word 'childish' has a negative "connotation", whereas its denotation is simply 'resembling a child'.

What can I say instead of "connotation"?

Alternatives to "connotation" include "implication", "nuance", "overtone", or "associated meaning", depending on the specific context.

Why is understanding "connotation" important in writing?

Understanding "connotation" allows writers to choose words that not only convey the correct literal meaning but also evoke the desired emotional response and avoid unintended negative associations. It adds depth and precision to their writing.