connotation
gb/kˌɑnətˈeɪʃən/ us/kˌɑnətˈeɪʃən/
C1
English
mellékjelentés, konnotáció, felhang, mellékzönge, intenzió
NOUN
C1
1
konnotáció
C2
Usage pattern:
the connotation(s) of [word/phrase]
The word "cheap" has a connotation that the quality is poor, not just that the price is low.
A „cheap” szónak olyan mellékjelentése is van, hogy gyenge a minősége, nem csak az, hogy alacsony az ára.
In some cultures, white has connotations of purity, while in others it suggests mourning.
Egyes kultúrákban a fehér szín a tisztaságot sugallja, máshol viszont a gyászt.
Be careful with that phrase—it carries connotations you may not intend.
Learner examples
That word has a bad connotation.
Annak a szónak rossz a mellékjelentése.
The connotation is different in my language.
A mellékjelentés az én nyelvemben más.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse connotation (suggested meaning) with denotation (literal dictionary meaning).
Meaning
implied meaning beyond the literal
Collocations
the connotation of
|a connotation of
|cultural connotations
|social connotations
|historical connotations
|strong connotations
|certain connotations
|different connotations
|acquire connotations
|lose connotations
Synonyms
association (More general; not limited to word meaning.)
|
implication (Often suggests an unstated message or conclusion.)
|
overtone (Often suggests a subtle additional meaning or mood.)
Antonyms
denotation (The direct, literal meaning of a word.)
|
literal meaning (Meaning without implied associations.)
Themes
language
|communication
|writing
Definition
the extra meaning or idea a word makes you think of
An idea or meaning that a word or phrase suggests in addition to its basic, literal meaning.
NOUN
C1
2
felhang
B2
mellékzönge
C1
Usage pattern:
a [positive/negative] connotation
Calling it a "scheme" gives the plan a negative connotation.
Ha „scheme”-nek nevezed, az negatív felhangot ad a tervnek.
The phrase has a romantic connotation that doesn’t fit a business email.
A kifejezésnek romantikus felhangja van, ami nem illik egy üzleti e-mailbe.
Over time, the term picked up a more positive connotation.
Learner examples
"Slim" has a more positive connotation than "skinny."
A „slim” szónak pozitívabb a felhangja, mint a „skinny”-nek.
Common mistake:
Learners may assume connotation is always negative; it can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Meaning
positive or negative emotional coloring
Collocations
positive connotation
|negative connotation
|a pleasant connotation
|an unpleasant connotation
|a derogatory connotation
|a moral connotation
|a sexual connotation
|a political connotation
|avoid connotations
|give something a connotation
Synonyms
tone (Broader; can refer to overall style, not just implied meaning.)
|
undertone (Often suggests a subtle, not fully stated feeling.)
Antonyms
neutrality (Lack of emotional coloring or evaluation.)
Themes
language
|emotions
|communication
Definition
the feeling a word gives (good/bad)
The positive, negative, or otherwise emotional feeling that a word or phrase commonly suggests.
NOUN
C2
TECHNICAL
3
konnotáció
C2
intenzió
C2
Usage pattern:
the connotation of [term] (in logic/semantics)
In logic, the connotation of a term can be discussed separately from its extension.
A logikában egy terminus konnotációját az extenziójától elkülönítve is lehet tárgyalni.
The paper compares the connotation of the adjective with its denotation in different contexts.
A tanulmány a melléknév konnotációját hasonlítja össze a denotációjával különböző kontextusokban.
Common mistake:
This technical sense differs from everyday connotation; it focuses on defining properties rather than emotional associations.
Meaning
intensional meaning in semantics
Collocations
connotation and denotation
|semantic connotation
|the connotation of a term
|analyze connotation
|theory of connotation
Synonyms
intension (Standard technical term for the implied properties of an expression.)
Antonyms
extension (The set of actual things a term refers to, rather than the properties it implies.)
Themes
linguistics
|logic
|academics
Definition
in linguistics, the properties a word implies
In semantics and logic, the set of attributes or properties implied by a word or term that help determine what it can correctly refer to.
Grammar
Dictionary form
connotation
IPA
GB/kˌɑnətˈeɪʃən/
US/kˌɑnətˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
con - nota - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (tion)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: connotation
- Plural: connotation, connotations
Word family
Forms
connotations
noun
Core family
connote
verb C1
connotative
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
connotatively
adverb
Expressions
carry connotations of
1/kˈɛɹi kˌɑnətˈeɪʃənz əv/
fixed phrase
suggest associated ideas
to make people think of extra ideas
Examples
- The phrase carries connotations of military discipline.
- That color carries connotations of luxury and wealth.
- Using "companion" carries connotations of equality that "assistant" may not.
Learner examples
- That word carries connotations of anger.
have a negative connotation
1/hˈæv ə nˈɛɡɪtɪv kˌɑnətˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
suggest something bad
to sound bad or insulting
Examples
- The word "bossy" has a negative connotation.
- In that context, "ambitious" can have a negative connotation.
- She avoided the term because it has a negative connotation in the industry.
Learner examples
- "Cheap" has a negative connotation.
have a positive connotation
1/hˈæv ə pˈɑzɪtɪv kˌɑnətˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
suggest something good
to sound good or approving
Examples
- "Home" has a positive connotation for many people.
- The rebrand chose a name that has a positive connotation.
- In this community, the term has a positive connotation.
Learner examples
- "Helpful" has a positive connotation.
political connotation
1/pəlˈɪtɪkəl kˌɑnətˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
association with politics or ideology
an extra meaning related to politics
Examples
- The term has a political connotation in the current debate.
- Even neutral words can take on a political connotation over time.
- They chose different wording to avoid a political connotation.
Learner examples
- That slogan has a political connotation.
sexual connotation
1/sˈɛkʃuəl kˌɑnətˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
suggestive sexual meaning
a hidden sexual meaning
Examples
- The joke has a sexual connotation that some people may find inappropriate.
- In English, that phrase can have a sexual connotation.
- They removed the line because it created an unintended sexual connotation.
Learner examples
- That word has a sexual connotation.
with connotations of
1/wˈɪθ kˌɑnətˈeɪʃənz əv/
fixed phrase
described as suggesting ideas
that suggests extra ideas
Examples
- He chose a word with connotations of warmth and comfort.
- The slogan is short but with connotations of rebellion.
- They avoided imagery with connotations of violence.
Learner examples
- She used a name with connotations of hope.