connote

[ kuh-noht ]

verb (used with object)

, con·not·ed, con·not·ing.

1. to signify or suggest (certain meanings, ideas, etc.) in addition to the explicit or primary meaning:

   The word “fireplace” often connotes hospitality, warm comfort, etc.

   Synonyms: imply, intimate

2. to involve as a condition or accompaniment:

   Injury connotes pain.

verb (used without object)

, con·not·ed, con·not·ing.

1. to have significance only by association, as with another word:

   Adjectives can only connote, nouns can denote.

connote

/ kɒˈnəʊt /

verb

1. (of a word, phrase, etc) to imply or suggest (associations or ideas) other than the literal meaning

   the word "maiden" connotes modesty

2. to involve as a consequence or condition

Word History and Origins

Origin of connote¹

1645–55; < Medieval Latin connotāre, equivalent to Latin con- con- + notāre to note

Word History and Origins

Origin of connote¹

C17: from Medieval Latin connotāre, from notāre to mark, make a note, from nota mark, sign, note

Example Sentences

She mentions “flat lawn” without irony — it is a Hollywood marker connoting accessibility not only geographic but on a shifting scale determined by zeitgeist, fame and the whims of luck.

From Los Angeles Times

Pink connotes dawn, the promise of coming daylight.

From Los Angeles Times

“It connotes fraud, ballot stuffing and false claims like those of Donald Trump. I think what’s remarkable is Democrats very quickly rallied to say, ‘No, we don’t use that language.’”

From New York Times

She used it for emphasis, to connote dismissiveness and to demonstrate exasperation.

From New York Times

But even with the ocean overlook, it’s too rustic, cozy and deceptively modest for the geologic or ego-logical footprint that “compound” connotes.

From New York Times

Related Words

• hint at
• signify