What is connotation? I have read every definition and seen every examples. I still don’t get it.

Connotations are a feeling or idea that is suggested by a particular word. They give us the emotional connection with words.Words can be split into ‘negative’, ‘positive’ and ‘neutral’ connotations.

Denotation is the literal meaning of a word. (You can think of denotation as the dictionary definition of a word.)

Denotation contrasts with connotation, which refers to the feelings or ideas suggested by a word.

So, the literal meaning of a word is the word’s denotation, and the non-literal meaning of a word (e.g., based on an implication or a shared emotional association) is the word’s connotation.

Look at these sentences:

• She’s an adult.• She’s a real woman.• She’s a real lady.• She’s a real babe.

These all share a similar denotation (i.e., they denote an adult female), but their connotations (further understandings) are very different.• She’s an adult.(One possible connotation: a sensible woman)• She’s a real woman.(One possible connotation: a curvaceous woman)• She’s a real lady.(One possible connotation: a classy woman)• She’s a real babe.(One possible connotation: an attractive woman)Positive and Negative ConnotationsA word can have a positive or a negative connotation. For example:

The denotations of the words difficult and challenging are similar. However, their connotations are very different.• Difficult (negative connotation)(This suggests there are problems ahead.)• Challenging (positive connotation)(This suggests the problems ahead will be overcome.)Similarly, the denotations of the words nitpicking and meticulous are similar. However, their connotations are very different.• Nitpicking (negative connotation)(This suggests someone who gets bogged down on details.)• Meticulous (positive connotation)(This suggests someone who doesn’t let any mistakes through.)