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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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evil connotation

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

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

The New York Times

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.

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.

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

Independent

As -- let's face it -- the Manchurian Candidate, with all the evil connotations that come with it.

News & Media

Huffington Post

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

HuffPost

Evil, evil, evil.

News & Media

TechCrunch

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.

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.

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

The Guardian
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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Rare

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.

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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Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: