English
Connotation.
Definition
The emotional feeling or association that a word carries beyond its literal dictionary meaning. Connotation can be positive, negative, or neutral, and choosing words with the right connotation is crucial for setting the right tone in writing.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 'Thrifty' (positive) vs. 'cheap' (negative) — both mean careful with money
- 2 'Curious' (positive) vs. 'nosy' (negative) — both mean wanting to know things
- 3 'Confident' (positive) vs. 'arrogant' (negative) — both suggest self-assurance