connotations
connotations — 名詞
- connotationssingular
- connotationsesplural
1. A connotation is an additional feeling, image, or idea that a word brings to min
言外之意
字詞或事物所暗示的額外感覺或聯想
A connotation is an additional feeling, image, or idea that a word brings to mind beyond its basic dictionary meaning. For example, the word 'home' suggests warmth and security to most people, while 'house' simply names a type of building.
Tomás did not realise that the word 'thrifty' has positive connotations in American English.
Tomás 不知道 'thrifty' 這個字在美式英文中有正面的言外之意。
positive/negative connotations of a word
The old factory had dark connotations for the children, who told ghost stories about it.
那間舊工廠對附近的鄰居小孩而言帶有恐怖的聯想，他們總說那裏有鬼故事。
connotations of [quality/feeling]
When choosing a brand name, companies study the cultural connotations of each colour or symbol.
在選擇品牌名稱時，公司會仔細研究每種顏色或符號在文化上的隱含意義。
Saira chose the word 'slim' over 'skinny' because it has healthier connotations among her patients.
Saira 選擇用 'slim' 而非 'skinny'，因為在她的病人心目中這個詞有比較健康的聯想。
Rain on a tin roof carried warm connotations of Kofi's childhood at his uncle's farm.
雨水打在鐵皮屋頂上，讓 Kofi 想起叔叔農場的童年，充滿了溫暖的聯想。
- implication
focuses on what is indirectly suggested, often as a logical consequence — stronger than connotation
- overtone
a quality or attitude that accompanies something; often used in plural ('political overtones')
- association
a broader term for any mental connection; less precise than connotation for word meanings
- undertone
a hidden or underlying quality, especially of emotion, beneath the surface
- denotation
the literal primary meaning of a word, without any emotional or cultural associations
文法句型
connotation + of + noun phrase
have + connotations
carry + connotations
用法筆記
Often used in the plural form 'connotations' when referring to the range of associations a word or thing carries. Frequently followed by 'of' to specify the associated quality, as in 'connotations of danger' or 'connotations of wealth'. The singular 'connotation' is also common when referring to one specific association.