Connote
/kəˈnoʊt/
verbB2
Definition
Connote is a verb that means a word or thing suggests extra ideas or feelings beyond its basic (literal) meaning. For example, the word "home" literally means a place where you live, but it can also connote warmth, safety, and family.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
To suggest extra meaning or feelings beyond the main meaning
- •The word "childish" connotes immaturity, not just being a child.
- •Dark clouds often connote bad weather or sadness.
- •The phrase "snake" can connote danger or betrayal.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "connote" like "mean," but not just the main meaning—it is the hidden or extra meaning behind a word or symbol.
- ✓Picture a red rose: it literally is a flower, but it also suggests love and romance.
- ✓It's the feeling you get when a word makes you think of something more than just the dictionary meaning.
- ✓Sounds like "con-NOTE" → imagine a secret note hidden with extra messages inside a letter.
- ✓In stories, writers use words that connote feelings to make readers feel more deeply.
- ✓NOT like "denote" (which is the direct, clear meaning), connote is about the extra, often emotional or cultural meaning.
- ✓NOT like "describe" (just telling facts), connote is about what ideas or feelings the word makes you think about.
Try Other Words
- •Imply: to show or express something without saying it directly (Use when the meaning is not stated but understood)
- •Suggest: to point to an idea or feeling (Use in general situations where something gives a hint)
- •Symbolize: to represent or stand for something else (Use when something stands for a bigger idea or concept)
- •Denote: to mean something clearly and directly (Use when talking about the exact, literal meaning)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "con-" (together, with) + root "note" (to mark, observe)
- •Etymology: From Latin "connotare," meaning to mark along with or indicate additionally
- •Historical development: Entered English in the early 1600s, originally used in writing and language studies to mean extra meaning
- •Modern usage: Used mainly in language, literature, and communication to talk about the feelings or ideas words or symbols bring to mind beyond their direct meaning
Reflect & Connect
•How can knowing what a word connotes help you understand a story or conversation better?
•Can a word's connotation change depending on culture or personal experience? How?
Fill in the blanks
1.The word "cheap" often connote ___ feelings of low quality, not just low price.
2.When a writer uses colors in a story, they may connote ___ like sadness or happiness.
3.Unlike "denote," which means the literal meaning, "connote" refers to the ___ meaning or feeling.
4.The phrase "cold shoulder" connote ___, even though it does not literally mean a cold body part.
5.Advertisements often use words that connote ___ to make products more attractive.
6.The word "youthful" connote ___ and energy, not just young age.
7.Different cultures may connote the same word ___, so understanding connotation helps avoid misunderstandings.