A connotation is the emotional or cultural association that a word or phrase carries beyond its literal or dictionary definition (denotation). It reflects the feelings, ideas, or attitudes that a word evokes in people, which can be positive, negative, or neutral depending on context and cultural understanding
. For example, the word "old" literally means aged (neutral denotation), but its connotations can vary:
- Positive connotations: "vintage," "matured"
- Negative connotations: "antiquated," "decrepit"
Connotations influence how language is interpreted and can affect tone and perception in communication, literature, and everyday usage. For instance, calling someone "strong-willed" has a positive connotation, while "pig-headed" has a negative one, even though both mean stubborn
. In summary, connotation is the implied or suggested meaning and emotional resonance a word carries alongside its explicit meaning
