connote
gb/kənˈoʊt/ us/kənˈoʊt/
C1
English
sugall, konnotál, jelent
VERB
C1
FORMAL
1
Usage pattern:
[word/thing] connotes [idea/feeling/association]
For many people, the word “home” connotes safety and belonging.
Sok ember számára az „otthon” szó biztonságot és az összetartozás érzését sugallja.
In English, “slim” often connotes something positive, while “skinny” can sound critical.
Az angolban a „slim” gyakran valami pozitívat sugall, míg a „skinny” bírálóan hangozhat.
The dark color palette connotes seriousness rather than playfulness.
Learner examples
The word “cheap” can connote low quality.
A „cheap” szó alacsony minőséget sugallhat.
That name connotes power.
Az a név erőt sugall.
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse connote (suggest extra ideas) with denote (mean exactly). Also common: spelling it as “connotate” (nonstandard).
Meaning
suggest an additional meaning
Collocations
a word connotes
|the term connotes
|often connotes
|connote danger
|connote luxury
|connote success
|connote violence
|connote intimacy
|connote a negative meaning
|connote a positive image
Synonyms
suggest (More general and less technical than connote.)
|
imply (Emphasizes indirect meaning, not necessarily emotional or cultural associations.)
|
evoke (Highlights bringing a feeling or image to mind.)
Antonyms
denote (Means the direct, literal meaning rather than associated ideas.)
|
state (Gives information explicitly instead of indirectly.)
Themes
language
|communication
|writing
Definition
If something connotes an idea or feeling, it makes you think of it.
To suggest or imply an idea, feeling, or association in addition to a word’s or thing’s basic meaning.
VERB
C1
FORMAL
2
sugall
B2
Usage pattern:
[action/choice/sign] connotes [quality/status]
Wearing a suit in that office connotes professionalism.
Abban az irodában az öltöny viselése profizmust sugall.
His silence connoted disapproval, even though he said nothing directly.
A hallgatása rosszallást sugallt, noha semmit sem mondott ki közvetlenül.
In some contexts, using a title like “Doctor” connotes high status.
Learner examples
A warm smile can connote friendliness.
Egy kedves mosoly barátságosságot sugallhat.
Common mistake:
Connote is usually used with abstract nouns (e.g., prestige, weakness), not concrete objects (e.g., “connote a chair”).
Meaning
indicate a quality indirectly
Collocations
connote authority
|connote confidence
|connote weakness
|connote respectability
|connote professionalism
|connote status
|connote approval
|connote distrust
Synonyms
signal (Often used for showing something through signs or behavior.)
|
indicate (More neutral; may not involve cultural or emotional overtones.)
Antonyms
conceal (Hides a quality instead of suggesting it.)
|
disprove (Shows a claim about a quality is not true.)
Themes
communication
|society
|evaluation
Definition
If something connotes a quality, it makes people think that quality is present.
To imply that someone or something has a particular quality, status, or significance.
VERB
C2
FORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
[word/expression] connotes [meaning]
In this older usage, the verb “to let” connotes “to allow.”
Ebben a régebbi használatban a „to let” ige azt jelenti, hogy „megengedni”.
The phrase connoted a promise of reform to its original audience.
A kifejezés eredeti közönsége számára a reform ígéretét jelentette.
Common mistake:
In everyday English, people usually use mean or signify; connote more often refers to extra, associated meaning.
Meaning
mean or signify (rare)
Collocations
in this context connotes
|strictly connotes
|originally connoted
|the term connotes
Synonyms
signify (More common for “mean” in formal contexts.)
|
mean (Everyday equivalent, less specialized.)
Antonyms
misrepresent (Gives the wrong meaning.)
Themes
language
|academia
Definition
In some formal writing, connote can mean “mean.”
To mean or signify something, especially in careful or academic discussion.
Grammar
Dictionary form
connote
IPA
GB/kənˈoʊt/
US/kənˈoʊt/
Syllables & stress
con - note (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (note)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: connote
- 3rd Person Singular: connotes
- Present Participle: connoting
- Past: connoted
Word family
Forms
connotes
verb
connoting
verb
connoted
verb
Core family
connotation
noun C1
Related words
Advanced or less common
connotatively
adverb
denotative
adjective
Expressions
be connoted by [something]
1/bˈi kˈɑnˈoʊtd bˈaɪ sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
be suggested indirectly by
To be an extra meaning that something suggests.
Examples
- A sense of urgency is connoted by the repeated exclamation points.
- Prestige is connoted by the brand’s minimalist design.
- Threat is connoted by the character’s calm, controlled voice.
connote a sense of [something]
1/kənˈoʊt ə sˈɛns əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
suggest a particular feeling
To make people feel or imagine something.
Examples
- The slow piano music connotes a sense of nostalgia.
- Her careful wording connoted a sense of caution.
- The bright lighting connotes a sense of openness and safety.
Learner examples
- This song connotes a sense of peace.