Word

connotation

noun B2

UK /ˌkɒnəˈteɪʃən/

US /ˌkɑnəˈteɪʃən/

Meanings

noun

An idea or feeling that a word or phrase suggests, beyond its literal meaning.

noun

The positive or negative association carried by a word in a particular context or culture.

Definition

A connotation is the feeling or idea that a word suggests in addition to its basic meaning.

A connotation is the emotional or cultural association that comes with a word, beyond its dictionary definition. Words can have positive, negative, or neutral connotations. Understanding connotation helps you choose language that matches the tone you want and avoid unintended impressions.

Examples

The word “cheap” often has a negative connotation.
In that culture, the color white has a different connotation.
Her joke carried a connotation that annoyed some listeners.
Be careful with the connotation of the words you choose.
That nickname has a warm connotation for his friends.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse connotation with denotation, using connotation when they mean the literal dictionary meaning.