connotations

USAGE SUMMARY

"connotations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a word or phrase's associated meanings beyond its literal definition. For example, "The connotations of the phrase 'to pay the price' suggests a difficult, unpleasant outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once just shorthand for a tour bundling transport and lodging, these days it carries dingier connotations: high-rise hotels, beaches crammed with blistering bodies, lurid cocktails slurped from exposed belly buttons.

The Guardian - Travel

It also notes the use of the phrase "gerbil of a thing" to describe the minister had extremely ugly connotations.

The Guardian

It has become a label tarnished with negative connotations and "labels, whatever they are, are not cool," she says.

The Guardian

Attempting to overcome these negative connotations, Ghana's Youth in Agriculture Programme "seeks to change the negative perception the youth have of participation in agriculture, farmers as uneducated, unskilled, physical labourers with extremely low economic return".

The Guardian

Damning Miliband with porcine satire seems – like the Daily Mail's exposé of his "Britain-hating" Jewish émigré father – to radiate some nasty connotations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rap had real connotations of thugs, street life, all that.

The Guardian - Music

The law requires NGOs that receive foreign funding, and conduct what the ministry of justice deems to be political activity, to register as foreign agents – a term that has strong connotations for Russians of cold war-era espionage.

The Guardian

And we should avoid ascribing to it the negative connotations associated with "instant gratification".

The Guardian - Opinion

"They were talking about it in a strictly classification way – if teeth were missing, or there was what they would consider to be abnormalities – but to me that had different connotations.

The Guardian - Arts

(He says the reasons for liking Bentleys are "entirely design-based" and he "resisted and resisted" due to the other connotations).

The Guardian - Tech

Stress, unlike, say, inadequacy, also has few negative connotations, making it painless to acknowledge.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing literature or rhetoric, carefully consider the "connotations" of specific words or phrases to uncover deeper meanings and intended effects.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all words with similar denotations have the same "connotations". Pay attention to the subtle differences in emotional and cultural associations.

Linguistic Context

The term "connotations" functions as a noun, typically plural, referring to the implied or associative meanings of words beyond their literal definitions. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "connotations" refers to the implied or associative meanings of words, distinct from their literal definitions. As Ludwig AI indicates, "connotations" is correctly and widely used in written English. The analysis reveals its frequent use in news, media, and scientific contexts, emphasizing its importance in analyzing language and communication. To enhance writing, it's crucial to consider the potential emotional and cultural associations of words, ensuring the intended message is effectively conveyed. Recognizing and utilizing "connotations" allows for a deeper understanding and richer expression in both writing and interpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

associated meanings

This alternative focuses on the meanings that are connected to a word or concept.

implied meanings

This highlights the meanings that are suggested but not directly expressed.

subtle implications

This emphasizes the delicate and indirect results or effects of a word or phrase.

emotional undertones

This refers to the feelings or attitudes that may lie under the surface of what is being expressed.

suggested associations

This focuses on the connections that are brought to mind by a particular word or phrase.

nuances of meaning

This refers to the subtle differences or distinctions in meaning.

implicit associations

This highlights the connections that are not directly stated but are understood.

figurative meanings

This refers to the non-literal sense of a word or phrase.

underlying implications

This emphasizes the implications that are present but not immediately obvious.

contextual overtones

This refers to the additional meanings that a word or phrase takes on in a specific context.

FAQs

How are "connotations" different from denotations?

"Denotation" refers to the literal, dictionary definition of a word, while "connotations" are the associated or implied meanings and emotions connected to that word. They are used differently in a sentence: The denotation of 'home' is a place of residence, but its connotation suggests warmth and family.

What makes a word have positive or negative "connotations"?

A word's "connotations" are shaped by cultural and emotional associations acquired through common usage. Historical events, social contexts, and personal experiences influence whether a word evokes positive, negative, or neutral feelings.

Can the "connotations" of a word change over time?

Yes, the "connotations" of a word can evolve as society and culture change. For example, the word 'computer' once implied a human performing calculations, but now it refers to an electronic device.

What are some alternatives to the word "connotations"?

You can use alternatives like "associated meanings", "implied meanings", or "subtle implications" depending on the context.