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

Example Sentences

By the end, Veloso brought in a Steadicam to connote that Robert has found more peace in his later years.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

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

She used it for emphasis, to connote dismissiveness and to demonstrate exasperation.

From New York Times • Feb. 24, 2024

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