connote

American  

[kuh-noht] / kəˈnoʊt /

verb (used with object)

connoted, connoting

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.

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verb (used without object)

connoted, connoting

1. to have significance only by association, as with another word.

   Adjectives can only connote, nouns can denote.

connote British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of connote

1645–55; < Medieval Latin connotāre, equivalent to Latin con- con- + notāre to note

Compare meaning

How does connote compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• denote vs. connote

Explanation

Often your body language can connote or imply how you feel without you having to saying it directly. For example, if you fold your arms and look away from someone as he speaks to you, you are connoting your discomfort. When you act a certain way to show how you feel rather than just outright saying it, you're connoting or suggesting that emotion. Words can often connote or suggest certain meanings or ideas. The word turbulent connotes the image of a bumpy ride on an airplane, for example. Connote is also used in formal logic. If A connotes B, then for A to be true, B has to also be true.

Example Sentences

He claimed her firing was “for cause,” a term whose precise legal meaning hasn’t been adjudicated but is widely interpreted to connote gross malfeasance or some such offense in office.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 2025

While the color of fresh olive oil does not connote quality, the color change as it sits on a shelf does.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 2025

Twitter was a good name, even if the site didn’t connote positive things for many people.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2023

When it comes to music, Conlon understands that visibility does not always connote value.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2022

And now the cup, the ring and two unironed waiter’s aprons at home were the only concrete objects left to connote that a man had once lived.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

Related Words

• hint at
• signify