connote
gb/kənˈoʊt/ us/kənˈoʊt/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
C1
relation
1
suggest an additional meaning
If something connotes an idea or feeling, it makes you think of it.
Usage pattern:
[word/thing] connotes [idea/feeling/association]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse connote (suggest extra ideas) with denote (mean exactly). Also common: spelling it as “connotate” (nonstandard).
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.)
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
Themes
language
|communication
|writing
Examples
- For many people, the word “home” connotes safety and belonging.
- In English, “slim” often connotes something positive, while “skinny” can sound critical.
- The dark color palette connotes seriousness rather than playfulness.
Learner examples
- The word “cheap” can connote low quality.
- That name connotes power.
Verb
formal
C1
relation
2
indicate a quality indirectly
If something connotes a quality, it makes people think that quality is present.
Usage pattern:
[action/choice/sign] connotes [quality/status]
Common mistake:
Connote is usually used with abstract nouns (e.g., prestige, weakness), not concrete objects (e.g., “connote a chair”).
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.)
Collocations
connote authority
|connote confidence
|connote weakness
|connote respectability
|connote professionalism
|connote status
|connote approval
|connote distrust
Themes
communication
|society
|evaluation
Examples
- Wearing a suit in that office connotes professionalism.
- His silence connoted disapproval, even though he said nothing directly.
- In some contexts, using a title like “Doctor” connotes high status.
Learner examples
- A warm smile can connote friendliness.
Verb
formal
C2
relation
3
mean or signify (rare)
In some formal writing, connote can mean “mean.”
Usage pattern:
[word/expression] connotes [meaning]
Common mistake:
In everyday English, people usually use mean or signify; connote more often refers to extra, associated meaning.
Synonyms
signify (More common for “mean” in formal contexts.)
|
mean (Everyday equivalent, less specialized.)
Antonyms
misrepresent (Gives the wrong meaning.)
Collocations
in this context connotes
|strictly connotes
|originally connoted
|the term connotes
Themes
language
|academia
Examples
- In this older usage, the verb “to let” connotes “to allow.”
- The phrase connoted a promise of reform to its original audience.
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.