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

A 14-person design team from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art created Bing Dwen Dwen, a moniker that connotes purity, strength, and liveliness.

From Quartz

Unlike its quotidian cousin the sphere, the orb connotes magic, reverence in flavors incompatible with the December 2021 internet.

From The Daily Beast

The word “resort” connotes luxury, and many claim to provide luxury sustainably.

From Popular-Science

In everyday language, the word “transcendental” connotes something that’s beyond the ordinary, something that is hidden and mysterious, with almost magical or mystical powers.

From Quanta Magazine

If “immunity” connotes complete protection, then no vaccine actually provides it.

From Washington Post

“Designer brands connote wealth and a certain class that these people want to be part of,” he says.

From The Daily Beast

Who or what “the dear bond” was is not explained, but we may connote the kindred surnames Goodbon, Goodbun, and Goodband.

From Project Gutenberg

But ileuede is not used elsewhere in L, and would connote decrepitude.

From Project Gutenberg

It is conceivable that two men may connote quite different things by the word symbol.

From Project Gutenberg

The using a name to connote attributes, turns the things, whether real or imaginary, into a class.

From Project Gutenberg

Likewise wealth and capital connote special social relations or categories.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hint at
• signify