connotative

[ kon-uh-tey-tiv, kuh-noh-tuh- ]

adjective

1. (of a word or expression) signifying or suggestive of an associative or secondary meaning in addition to the primary meaning:

   His singing voice can best be described by the connotative word “velvet.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of connotative¹

First recorded in 1610–20; from Medieval Latin connotātīvus, equivalent to connotāt(us), past participle of connotāre connote ( def ) + -īvus -ive ( def )

Example Sentences

The connotative meaning, symbolism, and emotional valence of the word "coup" is something much broader: for Americans a "coup" is something that happens in other countries — "over there," not in the world's "greatest democracy."

From Salon

The real truth and connotative meaning of the Jim Crow Republicans' ban on giving food and water to voters who are waiting in line is that Black and brown people are not quite human — the Other, not worthy of the same respect and decency as "real Americans," understood to be white by default.

From Salon

Include only what was seen and heard, with no subjective interpretation or connotative language, and as few drawn conclusions as possible.

From Slate

His face transmitted, in full, his commentary on this text: Only translators devoid of style, those who lack even a rudimentary grasp of the connotative powers of language, much less those with any sense of sex appeal, would animate erotic verse with diction such as this.

From New York Times

This attention to naming names are not inert, names have intense political power names have intense social power and connotative power.

From The New Yorker