Word
connotation
Phoneticscon·no·ta·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɑnəˈteɪʃən/
UK/kɒnəʊtˈeɪʃən/
Definition
n. the feeling or idea that a word gives you, even if it is not the exact meaning. For example, the word 'home' often makes you feel warm and safe, while 'house' is just a building.
n. the secondary, often emotional or cultural meaning associated with a word or phrase. It differs from the literal or dictionary definition.
Examples
“The word 'cheap' has a negative connotation for many people.”
“While both 'small' and 'tiny' describe size, the latter carries a more affectionate or humorous connotation.”
“The author carefully chose words with positive connotations to ensure the protagonist remained sympathetic to the reader throughout the narrative.”
Examples
simple
“The word 'cheap' has a negative connotation for many people.”
contextual
“While both 'small' and 'tiny' describe size, the latter carries a more affectionate or humorous connotation.”
complex
“The author carefully chose words with positive connotations to ensure the protagonist remained sympathetic to the reader throughout the narrative.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “connotation” in context.
Adjective
01. negative connotation
“The word 'cheap' often carries a negative connotation, suggesting poor quality rather than just a low price.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“We need to free dancefloors, concerts and festivals of their hedonistic connotations.” “This is why Lily’s father finds nurses more tolerable than care workers: he doesn’t want to need care, but medicine – with its connotations of formalisation and expertise – is more acceptable.” Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin connotātiō, from connotō (“I mark in addition”), from Latin con- (“together, with”) + noto (“I note”); equivalent to connote + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/connotation