evil connotations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "evil connotations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the negative or harmful implications associated with a word, phrase, or concept. Example: "The term 'witch' has historically carried evil connotations, often leading to unjust persecution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Yes, and you used the word that unfortunately is given evil connotations, and wrongly so -- the notion of compromise.

University of California, Berkeley

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.

Independent

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

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.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And in this one, peacock takes that color theme on and really has a little more of an intense evil connotation".

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.

The New York Times - Books

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.

F1000Research

Evil, evil, evil.

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.

The Guardian - Film

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.

The New York Times - Magazine

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.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "evil connotations", ensure that the context clearly establishes what concept or word is being associated with evil, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "evil connotations" in overly casual or lighthearted contexts, as its strong negative implication can seem inappropriate or exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "evil connotations" functions as a descriptor, attributing negative or malevolent associations to a particular word, concept, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. This aligns with examples from Ludwig, where it is used to describe the disturbing role of media or the association of witchcraft with mermaid-like babies.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "evil connotations" is used to describe the negative or malevolent associations linked to a word, concept, or situation. Analysis, supported by examples from Ludwig, reveals it functions as a descriptor used to evoke unease or disapproval and is more likely to be found in analytical, and serious or negative topics where the association with evil is relevant and justified. While the phrase is grammatically correct, as stated by Ludwig AI, it is not frequently used and can seem inappropriate in casual contexts. It's important to consider the intensity of this phrase and ensure its appropriate application to avoid miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Diabolical hints

Replaces "evil" with "diabolical", increasing the intensity and suggesting a devilish nature.

Sinister associations

Substitutes "evil" with "sinister", emphasizing a sense of foreboding.

Negative implications

Replaces "evil" with a more general term for negativity, altering the intensity of the phrase.

Malicious overtones

Emphasizes the intent behind the negative associations, using "malicious".

Unfavorable implications

Uses "unfavorable" to soften the negative aspect compared to "evil".

Damaging associations

Highlights the destructive nature of the linked concepts.

Harmful undertones

Focuses on the damaging aspect of the connotations, using "harmful" instead of "evil".

Dark suggestions

Replaces "connotations" with "suggestions", highlighting implied meanings.

Corrupting influences

Focuses on the power to corrupt that stems from evil connotations.

Bad omens

Implies evil connotations by using the term omens to suggest something bad is coming.

FAQs

How can I use "evil connotations" in a sentence?

You can use "evil connotations" to describe the negative implications or associations a word or concept carries, such as, "The term 'witch' historically carries "evil connotations" due to its association with harmful magic."

What phrases are similar to "evil connotations"?

Similar phrases include "negative implications", "sinister associations", or "harmful undertones", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "evil connotations" in formal writing?

Yes, "evil connotations" is appropriate for formal writing when discussing serious or negative topics where the association with evil is relevant and justified.

What is the difference between "evil connotations" and "negative connotations"?

"Evil connotations" specifically implies a strong association with wickedness or malevolence, while "negative connotations" is a broader term that can refer to any unfavorable or undesirable association.