Pronunciation: [kənˈə͡ʊtətˌɪv] (IPA) 
The word "connotative" is spelled as /ˈkɑːnəteɪtɪv/. The first syllable "con" is pronounced as "kɑːn", with a long "o" sound. The second syllable "no" is pronounced as "nə", with a short "u" sound. The third syllable "ta" is pronounced as "teɪ", with a long "a" sound. The fourth syllable "tive" is pronounced as "tɪv", with a short "i" sound. The word refers to the associated meanings of a word beyond its literal definition.
Connotative is an adjective that refers to the meaning or implication of a word, phrase, or symbol beyond its literal or explicit definition. It relates to the subjective and emotional associations that a particular term carries, rather than its objective or denotative meaning.
In language, words often possess connotations that go beyond their strict dictionary definitions and vary across different cultures, contexts, and individuals. These connotations can be positive, negative, neutral, or ambiguous, and they contribute to the richness and nuance of human communication. For example, the word "home" may connote warmth, comfort, and security for some, while evoking feelings of sadness or displacement for others.
Connotative meanings are influenced by a range of factors, including personal experiences, cultural norms, historical references, and social connotations. The connotations associated with a word can subtly shape its usage and reception, influencing how it is understood and interpreted by others. Skillful writers and communicators often utilize connotative language deliberately to evoke specific emotional or rhetorical responses from their audience.
In summary, the term "connotative" describes the additional emotional, subjective, and cultural associations that a word carries beyond its literal definition. These connotations contribute to the complexity and depth of language, enhancing communication by adding layers of meaning and facilitating diverse interpretations.
Attributive.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "connotative" comes from the Latin word "connotatus", which is the past participle of the verb "connotare". "Connotare" is a combination of the prefix "con-" which means "together", and the verb "notare" which means "to mark". Therefore, "connotatus" can be translated as "marked together". The term was later adapted into English, retaining its original meaning, and evolving to refer specifically to the additional meanings and associations implied by a word or expression beyond its primary, literal definition.
