Learn How To Use “Connote” and “Denote” Correctly

Sometimes both English language learners and native speakers make the mistake of using two words interchangeably, even if they don’t have the same meaning.

Although your audience may infer what you’re trying to say, even if you’re using the wrong word, experienced writers know that it’s important to always use accurate vocabulary.

This blog post will go over the difference between connote and denote to help you avoid errors in your writing.

“Connote” – Meaning and Examples

Connote is a verb. It means “to suggest something, like a feeling or idea, in addition to a primary meaning.”

Let’s take the word family. Its literal definition is “a group of people that share a common ancestor.” To some people, the word can also connote feelings of warmth, comfort, and support. However, to other people who may have had a difficult upbringing, the word family can connote pain and stress.

When you connote something, you are simply suggesting a secondary meaning; it is not explicitly stated.

The noun form of this verb would be connotation, which means “the secondary, suggested meaning of a word, phrase, or thing.”

“Denote” – Meaning and Examples

While connote means that something is merely suggested, denote means “to explicitly indicate.” In other words, it’s a verb that means “to mark or be a sign of something.”

Unlike connotation, denotation is the “primary or direct meaning of a word.”

Keep in mind though that denotation can also refer to “the word or term that signifies something specific.”

Using “Connote” and “Denote” Correctly

Remember: connote simply means to suggest a secondary meaning or idea, whereas denote means to indicate straightforwardly.

• Connote is to connotation what denote is to denotation.

Now that you know what these two words mean, isn’t it apparent why they can’t be interchanged? They have entirely different definitions.

Having extensive knowledge of English vocabulary words is a fantastic way to improve your writing skills. That, plus using LanguageTool as your spelling and grammar checker, can help take your writing to the next level. Not only does this multilingual text editor ensure error-free writing, but it can help rephrase your sentences to suit your desired style, tone, and voice.