noun

connotation

kah-nuh-TAY-shun/ˌkɑːnəˈteɪʃn/

An associated meaning or feeling beyond the literal meaning.

The word home carries a warm connotation of affection and comfort.

Brief functional example word HOME on small paper card; beneath it literal simple house icon and warm heart/glowing hearth image in faint association bubble show meaning plus affectionate feeling.

Etymology

conLatinwith, together

+notLatinto mark, note

+ationLatinaction or result

The underlying image is “marking along with”: a word signals something alongside its primary meaning. A connotation is that additional suggestion or association.

In context

overzealots27:49

The concept of exile took an outright metaphysical connotation within Jewish traditions going far beyond simply being away from one's homeland.

Destroying EVERY Zionist Talking Point

More examples

She chose a term with a warmer connotation.
The literal meaning stayed the same, but its connotations changed.
He explained the phrase’s political connotations.

Forms

connotation · connotations

Similar words

denotation: Denotation is the direct literal meaning; connotation is an associated implication or feeling.
association: Association is any mental connection; connotation concerns meanings or feelings attached to an expression.