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What is Connotation?

• The connotation of a word or phrase is the associated or secondary meaning; it can be something suggested or implied by a word or thing, rather than being explicitly named or described.

• However, for many, these terms carry different associations or secondary meanings, also known as connotations. Many people would agree that home connotes a sense of belonging and comfort, whereas house conveys little more than a structure.

So what's the difference?

• Denotative Meaning: the dictionary definistion of the word.

• For example, the word "curious" and the word "nosy" both have this denotative meaning: "eager to know or learn something."

• Connotative Meaning: an emotional or cultural association given to a word.

• The word "curious" has a positive connotative meaning. We associate it with passionate and thoughtful people.

• The word "nosy" has a NEGATIVE connotative meaning. We associate it with people who get overly involved with other people's lives.