Connotation
Noun
Definition: An idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.
Synonyms: Implication, Inference, Meaning
Antonyms: Denotation, Literal meaning
- The word "snake" has a negative connotation, often associated with danger and deceit.
- The connotation of the color red can vary depending on the cultural context.
- Think of "con-" as "with" and "notation" as "meaning" - connotation refers to the additional meaning associated with a word.
Etymology:
Connotation comes from the Latin word "connotare," which means "to mark in addition." It entered the English language in the early 17th century.
Historical Usage:Connotation has been studied and discussed in the field of linguistics and literary analysis for centuries, with its formal concept emerging more prominently in the 20th century.
Related Idioms:
"Positive connotation"
Explanation:Refers to the favorable or positive associations that a word carries.
Misconceptions:
Connotation is the same as denotation.
Explanation:Connotation and denotation are distinct concepts. Denotation refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word, while connotation refers to the additional meanings and associations that a word may have.