What is connotation?

Connotation refers to the ideas, feelings, or emotions that a word invokes in addition to its literal meaning. When a word is spoken, it carries positive, negative, or neutral associations that can color the listener's perception and understanding of the term. For example, the word "home" typically connotes warmth, security, and comfort, while the word "house" is more neutral and simply refers to a physical structure.

Understanding connotation is essential in communication, literature, and language since it helps to convey deeper meanings and emotional undertones beyond just the dictionary definition. Words often evoke different responses based on context, cultural background, and personal experiences, making connotation a vital aspect of effective communication.