Definition of CONNOTATION
CONNOTATION Noun
Connotation is a noun that refers to the implied or suggested meaning of a word or phrase beyond its literal definition. It encompasses the emotional, cultural, or associative meanings that a term may evoke in addition to its explicit meaning.
Implied Meaning: As a noun, connotation describes the additional, implied meanings that a word or phrase carries beyond its literal definition. For example, “The word ‘home’ has a positive connotation of warmth and security,” indicates the emotional and associative meaning attached to the term.
Emotional or Cultural Associations: Connotation can also refer to the emotional or cultural associations that a word or phrase evokes. For instance, “The term ‘freedom’ has a connotation of empowerment and liberation,” highlights the broader implications and feelings associated with the word.
Contextual Implications: In another context, connotation involves the implications that arise from the context in which a word or phrase is used. For example, “The connotation of a word can vary depending on cultural and social contexts,” suggests that meanings can shift based on usage and setting.
Context in Language and Communication: Connotation is significant in language and communication for understanding the subtleties and nuances of word choice. For instance, “Choosing words with the right connotation can influence the tone and perception of a message,” underscores its impact on effective communication.
Importance in Interpretation and Analysis: Understanding connotation is crucial for accurate interpretation and analysis of texts and speech. For example, “Analyzing the connotations of words helps in understanding the underlying messages and attitudes in literature and discourse,” highlights its role in critical analysis.
Impact on Meaning and Perception: Recognizing connotation helps in understanding how meaning and perception are shaped by language. For example, “The connotation of a word can significantly affect how it is perceived and interpreted by an audience,” illustrates its influence on communication and understanding.
Connotation is a noun that refers to the implied or suggested meaning of a word or phrase beyond its literal definition. It includes the emotional, cultural, or associative meanings that a term may evoke. Understanding connotation highlights its importance in language, communication, and interpretation, emphasizing its role in shaping meanings and perceptions.
Examples of CONNOTATION in a sentence
- The word “home” has a positive connotation of warmth and safety.
- Understanding the connotation of a term can enhance communication.
- The connotation of “diplomatic” might vary from “political” in different contexts.
- The term “budget” has a neutral connotation, while “cutback” may have a negative one.
- The connotation of a phrase can change based on cultural background.
- Her choice of words carried a connotation of subtle criticism.
- The connotation of “ambitious” can be both positive and negative depending on the situation.
- In literature, the connotation of symbols can add deeper meaning to the text.
Origin of CONNOTATION
Connotation traces its origins to the Latin word connotatio, meaning “a signification” or “an implication,” derived from connotare (to signify in addition), which combines con- (with) and notare (to mark or note). The term connotation evolved from the concept of adding meaning or implication beyond the literal definition.
- Latin: Connotatio (signification, implication), from connotare (to signify in addition), combining con- (with) and notare (to mark or note).
- Latin: Connotare referred to adding additional meaning or implication beyond the literal sense, and connotatio described this added significance.
- Old French: The term evolved into connotation, retaining the meaning of additional or implied meaning.
- Middle English: Connotation emerged, reflecting the concept of an implied or associated meaning beyond the literal definition of a word.
In contemporary English, connotation refers to the additional meaning or implications that a word or phrase carries beyond its literal definition. It encompasses the emotions, associations, or subtle meanings attached to a term, which can vary depending on context or cultural factors. The term retains its core meaning of implied or associated meaning, reflecting its historical evolution from Latin roots to describe the nuanced aspects of language.
Synonyms
- Implication
- Nuance
- Suggestion
- Association
- Meaning
- Underlying sense
- Significance
- Hint
Antonyms
- Denotation
- Literal meaning
- Explicit meaning
- Definition
- Surface meaning
- Direct meaning
- Unambiguousness
- Clear-cut
Related
- Semantics
- Context
- Subtext
- Inference
- Implicit meaning
- Nuanced meaning
- Allusion
- Overtones
🌐 🇬🇧 CONNOTATION in other languages
| Spanish 🇪🇸 | Connotación |
| French 🇫🇷 | Connotation |
| German 🇩🇪 | Konnotation |
| Chinese (simpl) 🇨🇳 | 内涵 |
| Chinese (trad) 🇨🇳 | 內涵 |
| Italian 🇮🇹 | Connotazione |
| Portuguese 🇵🇹 | Conotação |
| Dutch 🇳🇱 | Connotatie |
| Swedish 🇸🇪 | Konnotation |
| Norwegian 🇳🇴 | Konnotasjon |
| Finnish 🇫🇮 | Konnotaatio |
| Romanian 🇷🇴 | Conotaţie |
| Polish 🇵🇱 | Konotacja |
| Hungarian 🇭🇺 | Konnotáció |
| Czech 🇨🇿 | Konotace |
| Bulgarian 🇧🇬 | Конотация |
| Ukrainian 🇺🇦 | Конотація |
| Russian 🇷🇺 | Коннотация |
| Turkish 🇹🇷 | Çağrışım |
| Azerbaijani 🇦🇿 | Konnotasiya |
| Armenian 🇦🇲 | Նշանակություն |
| Arabic 🇸🇦 | الدلالة |
| Hebrew 🇮🇱 | מַשְׁמָעוּת |
| Urdu 🇵🇰 | مفہوم |
| Farsi/Persian 🇮🇷 | مفهوم |
| Hindi 🇮🇳 | अर्थ |
| Bengaleli/se 🇧🇩 | মর্মার্থ |
| Marathi 🇮🇳 | भावार्थ |
| Telugu 🇮🇳 | అర్థము |
| Tamil 🇮🇳 | பொருள் |
| Gujarati 🇮🇳 | ભાવાર્થ |
| Kannada 🇮🇳 | ಅರ್ಥಾರ್ಥ |
| Odia (Orya) 🇮🇳 | ସଂଯୋଗ |
| Malayalam 🇮🇳 | അർത്ഥം |
| Punjabi 🇮🇳 | ਅਰਥ |
| Sinhala/ese 🇱🇰 | අර්ථ දැක්වීම |
| Nepali 🇳🇵 | अर्थ |
| Burmese 🇲🇲 | အဓိပ္ပါယ် |
| Thai 🇹🇭 | ความหมายแฝง |
| Vietnamese 🇻🇳 | Nghĩa hàm ý |
| Malay 🇲🇾 | konotasi |
| Indonesian 🇮🇩 | Konotasi |
| Tagalog 🇵🇭 | Konotasyon |
| Japanese 🇯🇵 | 含意 |
| Korean 🇰🇷 | 의미 |
| Oromo 🇪🇹 | Hiika (Connotation) jedhu |
| Somali 🇸🇴 | Macnaha |
| Amharic 🇪🇹 | ትርጉም |
| Swahili 🇹🇿 | Maana |
| Yoruba 🇳🇬 | Itumọ |