While each of these two words has several possible meanings, they are notably distinct from each other in all senses. Denotation is concerned with explicit meaning, and connotation tends to be concerned …

The discovery of connotations is based on cultural and literary experience, or on the structure of a specific text, or both.

Connotation refers to the emotional and cultural associations surrounding a word—the implied or suggested meanings that go beyond its literal or dictionary definition (called the denotation). Think of …

connotation Cultural The meaning that a word suggests or implies. A connotation includes the emotions or associations that surround a word. For example, the word modern strictly means “belonging to …

It is often useful to avoid words with strong connotations (especially pejorative or disparaging ones) when striving to achieve a neutral point of view. A desire for more positive connotations, or fewer …

Definition of connotation noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 14, 2025 · connotation (plural connotations) (semantics) A meaning of a word or phrase that is suggested or implied, as opposed to a denotation, or literal meaning. A characteristic of words or …