Basic Details
Word: Connotation
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An idea or feeling that a word suggests in addition to its basic meaning, for example the warm feeling of home compared with house.
Synonyms: implication, suggestion, association, overtone
Antonyms: denotation
How to Spell Connotation
Syllables: con - no - ta - tion
Tricky part: It has a double n but a single t in the middle. Students often drop one n or double the t.
Watch out for: conotation, connottation, connatation
Memory tip: Con + note + ation, with the e of note dropped: a connotation is the extra note a word carries. The two n's are where con meets note.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The word cheap often has a negative connotation, while affordable sounds positive.
Example 2: For most Indians, the word monsoon has a connotation of relief after the heat.
Example 3: Poets choose words for their connotations as much as their meanings.
Fun Fact
Denotation is a word's dictionary meaning, and connotation is the feeling around it. Slim and skinny denote almost the same thing, but slim usually sounds kinder.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell-o-Spell
Only one word in the list is spelt correctly. Choose the meaning of that word.
1. connotation 2. synonim 3. metafor 4. allitteration
a) a figure of speech that describes something as if it were something else
b) a feeling or idea a word suggests beyond its basic meaning
c) the repeating of the same first sound in nearby words
d) a word with the same or nearly the same meaning as another
Show answer
b) a feeling or idea a word suggests beyond its basic meaning. Connotation is the only correct spelling; synonym, metaphor and alliteration are the right forms.
Word Connection
Choose the word closest in meaning to connotation as used in the sentence:
In many stories the colour black carries a connotation of danger or mystery.
a) denotation
b) definition
c) implication
d) spelling
Show answer
c) implication. A connotation is something a word implies, an implication; denotation is its plain dictionary meaning.
Word Cookie
Insert the correct letters to form a word:
co_no_ation
a) n, d
b) m, t
c) r, t
d) n, t
Show answer
d) n, t. Con meets note, giving nn, and the t stays single.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which word has a more positive connotation than nosy?
a) meddling
b) snooping
c) prying
d) curious
Show answer
d) curious
2. Which word has a more negative connotation than thrifty?
a) sensible
b) stingy
c) careful
d) economical
Show answer
b) stingy
