connotation

/ˈkɑnəˌteɪʃən/

/kɒnəʊˈteɪʃɪn/

Other forms: connotations

When you're talking about the implied subtext of words rather than their literal meaning, reach for the noun connotation. A political boss might not want to be called "boss" because of the negative connotations.

From the Latin com- "with" + notare "to mark," this word is all about reading between the lines. The literal meaning (or denotation) of Wall Street, for instance, is "a street in lower Manhattan that's home to many financial institutions," but the same phrase's connotations may include "wealth," "power," or "greed," depending on your experiences and opinions. A closely related word is implication.

Definitions of connotation

1. noun

   an idea that is implied or suggested
   type of:

   meaning, substance

   the idea that is intended
2. noun

   what you must know in order to determine the reference of an expression
   synonyms: intension

   type of:

   import, meaning, significance, signification

   the message that is intended or expressed or signified