What Does Connotation Mean? (with Examples)

Whereas denotation is the literal meaning of a word, connotation is a further understanding of the word's denotation.

Examples of Connotations

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.)