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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
evil connotation
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
And in this one, peacock takes that color theme on and really has a little more of an intense evil connotation".
News & Media
At a moment when managerial efficiency has replaced social activism as the central value of local government, the phrase "Boss Daley has lost the evil connotation for most people that it seemed to have a quarter-century ago.
News & Media
In the African context, such mermaid-like babies are referred to as 'mammy-water babies', and bear an evil connotation associated with witchcraft and sorcery.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Yes, and you used the word that unfortunately is given evil connotations, and wrongly so -- the notion of compromise.
And reinforcing the evil connotations of the Milat name, a young relative of Ivan's was among those charged with the murder of the teenager allegedly hacked to death there.
News & Media
As -- let's face it -- the Manchurian Candidate, with all the evil connotations that come with it.
News & Media
Search is another name for data mining (which was Brin's specialty in graduate school), which has evil connotations in the public mind.
News & Media
Evil, evil, evil.
News & Media
It is an eastern Bosnian town with connotations of evil, since it was the scene of some of the most gruesome war crimes of the 1992-95 war.
News & Media
NAME WITHHELD "Unethical" is too caustic a word, carrying connotations of evil intent, envelopes filled with cash discreetly left on a teacher's desk, shadowy meetings in a parking garage — follow the metaphors.
News & Media
He later discloses that the cardigan is not West's - but says his illustration shows that even the most rational people are made uncomfortable by superstition or connotations of evil.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "evil connotation", ensure that the context clearly supports the intensity of the negativity implied. Consider if a milder term like "negative association" might be more appropriate.
Common error
Avoid using "evil connotation" when the situation involves mere disapproval or mild negativity. Reserve this phrase for contexts where genuine malevolence or profound immorality is implied.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "evil connotation" functions as a noun phrase, where 'evil' acts as an adjective modifying 'connotation'. It describes the type of association or implication a word, action, or thing carries. Ludwig shows that it is used to express that something carries deeply negative or morally wrong associations.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Science
20%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "evil connotation" is used to describe something that carries a deeply negative and morally wrong association. While grammatically correct and found in sources like The New York Times and Huffington Post, Ludwig indicates that its frequency is rare, suggesting it's reserved for specific contexts. It's crucial to ensure that the context warrants the intensity of 'evil' before using this phrase. Consider alternatives like "negative implication" if a milder term is more appropriate. Usage spans across news, science, and academic writing, indicating a neutral register for describing negative associations objectively.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
negative implication
Focuses on the negative consequence or suggestion rather than the inherent evil.
bad association
Emphasizes the unfavorable link or connection.
unfavorable undertone
Highlights the subtle negative quality or feeling.
sinister implication
Suggests a more threatening or malevolent underlying meaning.
dark suggestion
Focuses on the ominous or disturbing nature of the hint.
negative coloring
Emphasizes the negative perspective given to something.
pejorative sense
Highlights the derogatory or disapproving meaning.
damaging association
Indicates that the association causes harm or is destructive.
unpleasant suggestion
Focuses on the disagreeable nature of the hint or implication.
ill-omened significance
Highlights the negative portent or sign.
FAQs
What does it mean when something has an "evil connotation"?
It means that something is associated with or suggests malevolence, wickedness, or a deeply negative moral character. This association can stem from historical events, cultural beliefs, or specific actions.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "evil connotation"?
Use "evil connotation" when describing something that genuinely evokes feelings of profound negativity or immorality. Be mindful of overusing the phrase; milder terms like "negative implication" or "bad association" may be more fitting in less severe situations.
What are some alternatives to "evil connotation"?
Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases such as "negative implication", "bad association", "unfavorable undertone", or "sinister implication".
How does the intensity of "evil connotation" compare to "negative connotation"?
"Evil connotation" is significantly stronger than "negative connotation". The former implies a sense of profound immorality or wickedness, while the latter simply suggests an unfavorable or undesirable association.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested