connotation
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.
the feeling a word gives (good/bad)
The positive, negative, or otherwise emotional feeling that a word or phrase commonly suggests.
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.
- Base: connotation
- Plural: connotation, connotations
carry connotations of
1suggest associated ideas
to make people think of extra ideas
- 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.
- That word carries connotations of anger.
have a negative connotation
1suggest something bad
to sound bad or insulting
- 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.
- "Cheap" has a negative connotation.
have a positive connotation
1suggest something good
to sound good or approving
- "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.
- "Helpful" has a positive connotation.
political connotation
1association with politics or ideology
an extra meaning related to politics
- 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.
- That slogan has a political connotation.
sexual connotation
1suggestive sexual meaning
a hidden sexual meaning
- 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.
- That word has a sexual connotation.
with connotations of
1described as suggesting ideas
that suggests extra ideas
- 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.
- She used a name with connotations of hope.