connotation.

An idea, feeling or evaluation associated with a word or expression beyond its direct reference.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• negative connotation
• cultural connotation

On the page

The term’s connotation changed when it became associated with an unpopular policy.

The essay examined the reassuring connotations of language that described coercion as guidance.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: Usually uncountable; plural connotations for distinct instances or kinds where appropriate. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: analysis, comparison, evaluation. Disciplines: argumentation, textual analysis. Commonness: moderately common.