connotes

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "connotes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the implied or associated meanings of a word or phrase beyond its literal definition. Example: "The word 'home' connotes feelings of warmth, safety, and belonging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, that doesn't mean unintentional, unconscious antisemitism isn't possible – journalists working against time and under pressure to deliver a Tory victory are certainly susceptible to seizing on the meanest image they can find, without thinking through what it connotes.

The Guardian - Opinion

You "stroke" a baby or a lover, but its old English origin connotes "a blow" and "a calamity".

The Guardian

He likes Mr Murdoch, who he says treats him with respect.His "adult" businesses haven't helped his image, either: Mr Desmond rejects the term "porn", which he argues connotes criminality.

The Economist

ANTHONY EDEN equals the Suez crisis; Jim Callaghan connotes the "winter of discontent": such are the simplifications and cruelties of national memory.

The Economist

After critics of the design lined up to argue that the Confederate flag connotes racism and violence, the board charged with reviewing applications voted unanimously to reject the Sons' plate.

The Economist

And fluency implies piety: the language of the Koran also connotes learning and wisdom.But the once monoglot world of jihad is increasingly multilingual.

The Economist

Most non-whites think immigration has been good for Britain, and they are almost universally in favour of "multiculturalism"—a vague term, not defined in the poll, that connotes ease with racial and cultural mixing.

The Economist

The fluid is made and bottled by Buffalo Trace, a Kentucky distillery that makes 12 different bourbons, a vodka, a couple of ryes and an eye-watering, 125-proof white dog (unaged whiskey).But small, or the image of small, sells; it connotes authenticity, care, continuity.

The Economist

Cue Weber's Protestant ethic: for the conservative majority, worldly success connotes God's blessing.

The Economist

TO MOST people magnetic levitation (maglev) connotes high-speed passenger trains.

The Economist

For the hundreds of thousands of jobless youth in Port-au-Prince, Mr Jean embodied the potential for true chanjman, a Creole word that connotes far-reaching systemic change.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "connotes", ensure the implied meaning is clear from the context. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what the term "connotes" if necessary.

Common error

Be aware that connotations can be subjective and culturally dependent. What a term "connotes" to one person or group may not be the same for another. Consider your audience when choosing words.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "connotes" is a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form. It describes the action of a word or concept suggesting or implying something beyond its literal meaning. As Ludwig AI points out, the term is widely used to discuss implied meanings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "connotes" is a versatile verb used to describe the implied or associated meanings of words and concepts beyond their literal definitions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English. While it appears across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing, its analytical nature lends itself to more formal discourse. When using "connotes", it's crucial to be mindful of potential cultural and subjective differences in interpretation. Related terms like "implies" and "suggests" offer subtle shifts in meaning, allowing for nuanced expression. Keep in mind that understanding a word or phrase "connotes" requires a deeper analysis of its context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implies

This term focuses more on a subtle suggestion or indirect statement.

suggests

This term indicates a less forceful implication or hint.

indicates

This term highlights the role of being a sign or symptom of something.

signifies

This term emphasizes the symbolic meaning or representation.

evokes

This term focuses on the feeling or memory that a word or image brings to mind.

intimates

This term suggests a delicate or subtle communication, often indirectly.

hints at

This term implies an indirect suggestion or clue.

points to

This term directs attention towards a particular conclusion or understanding.

alludes to

This term refers to something indirectly or metaphorically.

carries the implication

This term explicitly states that something is implied or indirectly suggested.

FAQs

How do you use "connotes" in a sentence?

Use "connotes" to describe what a word or phrase suggests beyond its literal definition. For example, "The word 'luxury' "connotes" extravagance and comfort."

What's the difference between "connotes" and "denotes"?

"Denotes" refers to the literal, dictionary definition of a word, while "connotes" refers to the associated or implied meanings. A word can denote one thing but "connotes" something more.

What can I say instead of "connotes"?

You can use alternatives like "implies", "suggests", or "indicates" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each of these words subtly shifts the meaning of how a term "connotes" extra meaning.

Is it correct to say a word "connotes" negativity?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. "Connotes" can be used to describe positive, negative, or neutral associations. For instance, the word 'tax' often "connotes" something negative because of its association with financial burden.