connotation

Definition

A meaning of a word or phrase that is suggested or implied, as opposed to a denotation, or literal meaning. A characteristic of words or phrases, or of the contexts that words and phrases are used in.

Etymology

Borrowed from Medieval Latin connotātiō, from connotō (“I mark in addition”), from Latin con- (“together, with”) + noto (“I note”); equivalent to connote + -ation.

Example Sentences

• "The word "advisedly" has a connotation of "wisely", although it denotes merely "intentionally" and "deliberately.""
• "The word "happy" has a positive connotation, while "sad" has a negative connotation."
• "The two expressions "the morning star" and "the evening star" have different connotations but the same denotation (i.e. the planet Venus)."

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