verb

connote

kuh-NOHT/kəˈnəʊt/

To suggest a meaning or association beyond the literal meaning.

The word cold can connote emotional distance, suggested by the person's unfriendly posture.

Small functional example word COLD appears on card beside snowflake for literal sense; same card also points to reserved distant adult with folded arms turning away from friendly greeter, suggesting emotional coldness.

Etymology

Literally “to mark along with,” connote means to signal something alongside a word’s primary meaning. The additional signal can be an associated idea or feeling.

In context

NutritionFacts.org57:15

Though apples do connote goodness and freshness, reads one internal tobacco industry memo

Food as Medicine: Preventing and Treating the Most Common Diseases with Diet

More examples

In this review, 'cheap' connotes poor quality rather than low cost.
Calling a plan 'bold' can connote admiration or concern.
For many readers, 'village' connotes a close-knit community.

Forms

connote · connotes · connoted · connoting

connotation noun — An association beyond a word's literal meaning.

connotative adjective — Suggesting associations beyond the literal meaning.

Similar words

imply: Suggests an unstated conclusion, rather than a word's associations.
evoke: Brings feelings or images to mind, not necessarily meanings.