Connotations are a feeling or idea that is suggested by a particular word

Connotations are a feeling or idea that is suggested by a particular word. They give us the emotional connection with words. Words can be split into 'negative', 'positive' and 'neutral' connotations.

Denotation is the literal meaning of a word. (You can think of denotation as the dictionary definition of a word.)

Denotation contrasts with connotation, which refers to the feelings or ideas suggested by a word.

So, the literal meaning of a word is the word's denotation, and the non-literal meaning of a word (e.g., based on an implication or a shared emotional association) is the word's connotation.

Look at these sentences:

She's an adult. • She's a real woman. • She's a real lady. • She's a real babe.

These all share a similar denotation (i.e., they denote an adult female), but their connotations (further understandings) are very different. • She's an adult. (One possible connotation: a sensible woman) • She's a real woman. (One possible connotation: a curvaceous woman) • She's a real lady. (One possible connotation: a classy woman) • She's a real babe. (One possible connotation: an attractive woman) Positive and Negative Connotations A word can have a positive or a negative connotation. For example:

The denotations of the words difficult and challenging are similar. However, their connotations are very different. • Difficult (negative connotation) (This suggests there are problems ahead.) • Challenging (positive connotation) (This suggests the problems ahead will be overcome.) Similarly, the denotations of the words nitpicking and meticulous are similar. However, their connotations are very different. • Nitpicking (negative connotation) (This suggests someone who gets bogged down on details.) • Meticulous (positive connotation) (This suggests someone who doesn't let any mistakes through.)