Connote Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🔍
connote
[kəˈnoʊt ]
Definition
imply meaning
To connote means to imply or suggest an idea or feeling beyond the literal meaning of a word. It often includes the emotional or cultural associations that a term carries, which may not be explicitly stated.
Synonyms
allude, imply, indicate, suggest.
Examples of usage
- The word 'home' connotes warmth and security.
- In literature, the colors used often connote different emotions.
- The term 'mother' connotes nurturing and care.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Language can carry emotional weight; for example, the word 'mother' can connote warmth and love to many people.
- People often interpret words based on personal experiences, leading to diverse connotations even when the dictionary meaning is the same.
- Advertising experts use connotation to evoke specific feelings in consumers, linking products to desirable traits.
Literature
- Writers carefully choose words with specific connotations to create moods or evoke feelings in their readers.
- For example, describing a character as 'slender' can connote grace, while 'skinny' may suggest frailty.
- Poets often rely on connotations to enrich their imagery and create deeper meanings in their work.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures might attach varying connotations to the same word; for instance, 'family' can mean different things across cultures.
- In some cultures, the color white may connote purity, while in others, it may represent mourning.
- Understanding connotation is vital for effective communication, especially in multicultural settings.
Communication
- Nonverbal cues and tone of voice can also connote meanings beyond spoken words, enriching communication.
- Sarcasm changes the connotation of a word entirely; saying 'great job' with a smirk can imply the opposite.
- Effective communicators pay attention to both denotation (literal meaning) and connotation when conveying messages.
Origin of 'connote'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'connote' comes from the Latin word 'connotare', meaning 'to mark together' or 'to sign with'.
- It has roots in the prefix 'con-' which means 'together', highlighting the connection between words and their meanings.
- The word was first used in English in the late 19th century, becoming a key term in semantics and linguistic studies.
The word 'connote' originates from the Latin word 'connote', which is a combination of 'con-', meaning 'together', and 'notare', meaning 'to mark'. The term was first used in English during the early 19th century. Its meaning has evolved to focus primarily on the implications that are associated with words or phrases rather than their explicit definitions. This makes it a valuable term in literature, linguistics, and semiotics, where the distinction between denotation (literal meaning) and connotation (associative meaning) is crucial in understanding communication and interpretation.