Connotation

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For the technical term in semiotics, see connotation (semiotics).
"Connote" redirects here. For Connote number, see Waybill.
A connotation is a commonly understood cultural or emotional association that so
me word or phrase carries, in addition to the word's or phrase's explicit or lit
eral meaning, which is its denotation.
A connotation is frequently described as either positive or negative, with regar
ds to its pleasing or displeasing emotional connection. For example, a stubborn
person may be described as being either strong-willed or pig-headed; although th
ese have the same literal meaning (stubborn), strong-willed connotes admiration
for the level of someone's will (a positive connotation), while pig-headed conno
tes frustration in dealing with someone (a negative connotation).
Contents [hide]
1 Usage
2 Examples
3 Logic
4 See also
5 References
Usage[edit]
"Connotation" branches into a mixture of different meanings. These could include
the contrast of a word or phrase with its primary, literal meaning (known as a
denotation), with what that word or phrase specifically denotes. The connotation
essentially relates to how anything may be associated with a word or phrase, fo
r example, an implied value judgment or feelings.
It is often useful to avoid words with strong connotations (especially pejorativ
e or disparaging ones) when striving to achieve a neutral point of view. A desir
e for more positive connotations, or fewer negative ones, is one of the main rea
sons for using euphemisms.[1]
Examples[edit]
Example one.
The denotation of this example is a red rose with a green stem. The connotation
is that it is a symbol of passion and love this is what the rose represents.
Example seven .
The denotation is a representation of a cartoon heart. The connotation is a symb
ol of love and affection.

Logic[edit]
In logic and semantics, connotation is roughly synonymous with intension. Connot
ation is often contrasted with denotation, which is more or less synonymous with
extension. Alternatively, the connotation of the word may be thought of as the
set of all its possible referents (as opposed to merely the actual ones). A word
's denotation is the collection of things it refers to; its connotation is what
it implies about the things it is used to refer to. The denotation of dog is (so
mething like) four-legged canine carnivore. So saying, "You are a dog" would imp
ly that you were ugly or aggressive rather than stating that you were canine.
See also[edit]
Denotation
Double entendre
Extension
Extensional definition

Intension
Intensional definition
Metacommunicative competence
Pun
Subtext
References[edit]
Jump up ^ Note that not all theories of linguistic meaning honor the distinction
between literal meaning and (this kind of) connotation. See literal and figurat
ive language.
Look up connotation in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Categories: ConnotationConcepts in logicMeaning (philosophy of language)Semantic
sSubjective experience
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