Definition

Adjective: - Suggestive of an additional meaning or association: The phrase "connotative of" describes something that implies, suggests, or brings to mind a secondary idea, feeling, or quality beyond its primary, literal meaning. It indicates that a word, phrase, or object is rich with associated implications.

Usage

• This adjective phrase is used to link a subject with the ideas or feelings it evokes. It is typically followed by the idea being suggested.
• Structure:

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The color black is often connotative of mourning or elegance. (The color black suggests ideas of mourning or elegance.)
  • His hesitant tone was connotative of deep uncertainty. (His hesitant tone implied a feeling of deep uncertainty.)
  • The old, abandoned house was connotative of forgotten memories. (The house brought to mind the idea of forgotten memories.)

Advanced Usage

• In Literary Analysis: Used to discuss the implied meanings in a text.
  • The author's use of seasonal imagery is connotative of the cycle of life and death.
• In Semantics and Linguistics: Used to describe the associative meaning of a lexical item.
  • The word "home" is connotative of warmth and safety, unlike its denotative meaning of "a dwelling place."

Variants and Related Words

• Connotation (n): The implied or associative meaning of a word.
  • The word "cheap" has a negative connotation of poor quality.
• Connotative (adj): Having the quality of suggesting an associated idea.
  • Poetic language is highly connotative.
• Denotative (adj): Relating to the primary, literal meaning of a word (antonym in this context).

Synonyms

• Suggestive of
• Evocative of
• Redolent of
• Indicative of (in some contexts)

Related Phrases

• Carry the connotation of: To have a specific associated meaning.
  • The term often carries the connotation of secrecy.
• Be imbued with the connotations of: To be filled with associated meanings.
  • The symbol is imbued with the connotations of ancient power.

Adjective

1. of or relating to a connotation