Have you ever noticed how some words make you feel happy, while others make you feel uneasy? That’s because words don’t just have dictionary meanings—they also carry emotional or cultural vibes. This emotional “feeling” attached to a word is called connotation.
What is Connotation?
Connotation Definition: Connotation is the emotional or cultural meaning behind a word, beyond its literal definition (which is called denotation). For example, the word “home” literally means a place where someone lives, but it often connotes warmth, safety, and family. On the other hand, the word “house” is more neutral—it just refers to a building.
Connotation Explanation with Examples
The meaning of this word lies in the feelings or ideas that a word evokes. These feelings can be positive, negative, or neutral, depending on the context and the audience. For example:
- Positive Emotion: “She’s slim and healthy.” (The word “slim” suggests a positive, attractive image.)
- Neutral Emotion: “She’s thin.” (The word “thin” is factual and neutral.)
- Negative Emotion: “She’s skinny and looks weak.” (The word “skinny” implies being too thin in a negative way.)
Here are some examples of positive, neutral, and negative connotations in sentences:
Positive Connotation Sentences
- The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen.
(“Aroma” suggests a pleasant smell.) - She has a radiant smile that lights up the room.
(“Radiant” implies warmth and beauty.) - He is a visionary leader who inspires everyone around him.
(“Visionary” suggests creativity and forward-thinking.)
Negative Connotation Sentences
- The stench of the garbage made everyone cover their noses.
(“Stench” suggests a foul smell.) - He was being stubborn and refused to listen to anyone.
(“Stubborn” implies inflexibility and annoyance.) - The politician’s scheme was exposed by the media.
(“Scheme” implies deceitfulness.)
Neutral Connotation Sentences
- The smell of coffee woke me up.
(“Smell” is neutral, with no strong emotional association.) - She lives in a house near the park.
(“House” is neutral, simply referring to a building.) - He is a leader in his community.
(“Leader” is neutral, stating a fact without emotional weight.)
See More:
Click here for Connotation vs Denotation
10 Examples of Connotation Sentences! Check out now.