To suggest or imply something in addition to the literal meaning; to carry an additional associated meaning beyond the explicit definition. It refers to implied or suggested meanings.
From Latin 'connotare' meaning 'to mark along with,' formed from 'con-' (with) and 'notare' (to mark). The concept developed from marking additional notes to carrying additional meanings alongside primary definitions.
Connote is why word choice matters so much in writing—'inexpensive' and 'cheap' mean the same thing literally, but they connote completely different values! Connotations are like emotional shadows that words cast beyond their dictionary definitions.
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