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

verb (used with object)

denoted, denoting 

  1. to be a mark or sign of; indicate.

    A fever often denotes an infection.

    Synonyms: evidence, signify, signal, mark

  2. to be a name or designation for; mean.

  3. to represent by a symbol, or to be a symbol for.

connote

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.

verb (used without object)

connoted, connoting 

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

    Adjectives can only connote, nouns can denote.