What is the difference between connotation and denotation?

Connotation and denotation are two concepts related to the meaning of words, but they should not be confused:

  • Connotation refers to the subjective associations or feelings a word brings to our minds, beyond its literal meaning. These associations can be positive, negative, or neutral. For example, the word “father” may evoke connotations of protection, guidance, or authority.
  • Denotation, on the other hand, refers to a word’s literal or dictionary definition that is commonly understood by people who speak the same language. The denotation of “father” for instance is typically that of “male parent.”

In short, whereas connotation refers to a word’s secondary or implied meaning, denotation refers to a word’s primary or explicit meaning.