connotative

IPA/ˈkɒn.ə.tə.tɪv/
IPA/ˈkɑː.nə.teɪ.t̬ɪv/

connotative — adjective

  • connotativepositive
  • more connotativecomparative
  • most connotativesuperlative

1. relating to the feelings, ideas, or cultural associations that a word suggests t

1.形容詞C1
釋義

relating to the feelings, ideas, or cultural associations that a word suggests to people, apart from its simple dictionary definition.

例句

Bao explained that the word 'snake' carries strongly negative connotative meanings in many cultures.

connotative meaning — the noun pattern this adjective typically modifies

In her poetry analysis, Aylin compared the connotative differences between 'slender' and 'thin'.

同義詞
  • implicit

    broader term — refers to anything suggested indirectly, not just word associations

  • suggestive

    less formal — often implies a sexual or emotional hint

  • associative

    closest synonym — directly refers to mental links, but can apply to any mental connection, not just words

反義詞
  • denotative

    the direct opposite — describes the literal, dictionary meaning of a word

文法句型

connotative + noun (meaning / sense / value / force)

用法筆記

Almost always used before a noun such as 'meaning,' 'sense,' 'value,' or 'force.' The opposite term is 'denotative,' which refers to the literal dictionary definition. Common in essays about language, literature, advertising, and media analysis.

常見錯誤

❌The connotative meaning of 'child' is a young person.
✅The denotative meaning of 'child' is a young person.
💡'connotative' refers to emotional or cultural associations, not the literal definition.
❌This word feels very connotative.
✅This word has strong connotative associations.
💡'connotative' is rarely used alone after a linking verb; it nearly always modifies a noun like 'meaning' or 'association.'