denote vs. connote

denote vs. connote: What's the difference?

Denote means to indicate or to be a sign of. Connote means to signify or suggest. Thus, something that denotes is clearer and more straightforward, while something that connotes is subtler and more ambiguous. Think of a denotation as the direct meaning of a word or expression, while a connotation refers to its secondary or associated meanings.

denote

[dih-noht] / dɪˈnoʊt /

verb (used with object)

to be a mark or sign of; indicate.

A fever often denotes an infection.

Synonyms:

evidence, signify, signal, mark
to be a name or designation for; mean.
to represent by a symbol, or to be a symbol for.

connote

[kuh-noht] / kəˈnoʊt /

verb (used with object)

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
to involve as a condition or accompaniment.

Injury connotes pain.

verb (used without object)

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

Adjectives can only connote, nouns can denote.