Main Difference
The main difference between Connote and Denote is that the Connote is a cultural or emotional association that some word or phrase carries, in addition to the word’s or phrase’s explicit or literal meaning and Denote is a translation of a sign to its literal meaning, more or less like dictionaries try to define it.
-
Connote
A connotation is a commonly understood cultural or emotional association that some word or phrase carries, in addition to its explicit or literal meaning, which is its denotation.
A connotation is frequently described as either positive or negative, with regard to its pleasing or displeasing emotional connection. For example, a stubborn person may be described as being either strong-willed or pig-headed; although these have the same literal meaning (stubborn), strong-willed connotes admiration for the level of someone’s will (a positive connotation), while pig-headed connotes frustration in dealing with someone (a negative connotation).
-
Denote
Denotation is a translation of a sign to its meaning, precisely to its literal meaning, more or less like dictionaries try to define it. Denotation is sometimes contrasted to connotation, which includes associated meanings. The denotational meaning of a word is perceived through visible concepts, whereas connotational meaning evokes sensible attitudes towards the phenomena.
-
Connote (verb)
To signify beyond its literal or principal meaning.
“Racism often connotes an underlying fear or ignorance.”
-
Connote (verb)
To possess an inseparable related condition; to imply as a logical consequence.
“Poverty connotes hunger.”
-
Connote (verb)
To express without overt reference; to imply.
-
Connote (verb)
To require as a logical predicate to consequence.
-
Denote (verb)
To indicate; to mark.
“The yellow blazes denote the trail.”
-
Denote (verb)
To make overt.
“The tears denoted her true feelings.”
-
Denote (verb)
To refer to literally; to convey as meaning.
“”Pre-” denotes “before.””
-
Connote (verb)
(of a word) imply or suggest (an idea or feeling) in addition to the literal or primary meaning
“the term ‘modern science’ usually connotes a complete openness to empirical testing”
-
Connote (verb)
(of a fact) imply as a consequence or condition
“spinsterhood connoted failure”