Connotative Definition: ​3 Examples of Connotation

The dictionary definition of “connotative” has to do with words that offer a secondary meaning (often influenced by the surrounding context) in addition to their literal meaning. “Connotative” is an adjective, while “connotation” is the noun form of the word.

In the world of literature, a connotative meaning of a word is one that factors in emotional associations or other contextual factors to derive meaning. A single word can take on different connotations depending on the context.

1. 1. Positive connotation: A word with a positive connotation triggers positive emotions in a reader. If an established rock star is described as "youthful" in a review, the implied meaning is that they perform with verve, energy, and vitality. In this context, the word's connotation is positive.
2. 2. Negative connotation: A word with a negative connotation triggers negative emotions in a reader. Consider the connotative meaning of the word "youthful" when describing a rock band in their early twenties. If the review is disparaging, "youthful" might imply inexperience, naïveté, and a lack of refined skill.
3. 3. Neutral connotation: Sometimes a word choice does not imply any subtextual meaning. In this case, the word has a neutral connotation. Consider the word "young" in the following example sentence: "Young cubs stay with their mother, while grown lions stake out on their own." By offering a statement of fact, the word "young" has a neutral connotation.

To understand the difference between ‘connotative’ and ‘denotative,’ consider their definitions.

• Denotative: The denotative meaning of a word is its dictionary meaning. It does not imply subtext or judgment.
• Connotative: The connotative meaning of a word starts with its dictionary meaning, but it expands to include surrounding context. As such, connotative meanings often include either positive or negative emotional subtext, which layers on top of a denotative meaning.

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