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connotations

n. plural-only
C1 Advanced US //ˌkɑnəˈteɪʃənz// UK //kɒnəʊtˈeɪʃənz// con·no·ta·tions

n. the extra feelings or ideas that a word makes you think of, beyond its basic meaning. For example, the word 'home' often has warm, happy feelings that 'house' does not have.

n. the secondary implications or emotional associations suggested by a word in addition to its literal, primary meaning. Often categorized as positive, negative, or neutral depending on the cultural or social context.


SIMPLE

The word 'cheap' often has negative connotations.

CONTEXTUAL

While 'determined' and 'stubborn' have similar literal meanings, they carry very different connotations in a professional setting.

COMPLEX

In political discourse, certain terms are carefully selected for their emotional connotations to influence public perception without making explicit claims.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the plural form; frequently paired with the adjectives 'positive', 'negative', or 'cultural'.

Pitfall

The word has a bad connotation.The word has bad connotations.While the singular form exists, learners should prefer the plural when discussing the general set of associations a word carries.

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