LexBrew
Usage Entry 1102 / 1350 60-second read

Connote vs. Denote

To suggest or imply versus to indicate directly.

The comparisoni

✗ Wrong

A red rose connotes love literally.

✓ Correct

A red rose connotes love and denotes the flower itself.

The ruleii

DENOTE = literal. CONNOTE = suggested.

DENOTE is what a word strictly refers to — its literal definition. CONNOTE is what it suggests, implies, or evokes emotionally. A rose denotes the flower; it connotes romance.

Memory aidiii

Remember it like this

Denote = direct. Connote = culture.

You might also like 6 related
↑↓Navigate Open EscClose All results →