Connotation

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For the more specialised meaning of "Connotation" in semiotics, see connotation (semiotics).

The connotation of a word or other expression in a language may be one of several aspects of its meaning.

Logic

In logic and in some branches of semantics, connotation is more or less synonymous with intension. Connotation is often contrasted with denotation, which is more or less synonymous with extension. A word's denotation is the collection is things it refers to; its connotation is what it implied about the things it is used to refer to. So, the denotation of dog is just the collection of all the dogs that there are. The connotation of dog is (something like) four-legged canine carnivore. 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).

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Everyday Usage

In everyday usage, connotation has a different meaning. Here the connotation of a word is contrasted with a primary, literal meanings (also sometimes called a denotation), which what the word precisely, actually, or really means. The connotation is anything else that might be suggested by the word, such as implied value judgments or feelings.

For example, a stubborn person may be described as being either strong-willed or pig-headed. Although these have the same literal meaning (i.e. stubborn), strong-willed connotes admiration for someone's convictions, while pig-headed connotes frustration in dealing with someone. Likewise, used car and previously owned car have the same literal meaning, but many dealerships perfer the latter, since it is thought to have fewer negative connotations.

It is often useful to avoid words with strong connotations (especially disparaging ones) when striving to achieve a neutral point of view. A desire for more positive connotations, or fewer negative ones, is one of the main reasons for using euphemisms.

Note that not all theories of linguistic meaning honor the distinction between literal meaning and (this kind of) connotation. (See Literal and figurative language.)

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