Connotation and Denotation of Words

Denotation represents the literal meaning of each word. It shows the original meaning, which is written in the dictionary.

Example: Here, ‘Rose’ means a shrub or bush that produces flowers of different colors.

Connotation defines the underlying meaning of each word. It represents the associated meanings of the words.

Example: Rose is a beautiful flower, but it can relate to the romance, beauty and anniversary.

Connotation gives the meaning of each word beyond the literal meaning.
However, each word has a connotation as well as denotation. The denotation gives the specific meaning of a word, whereas the connotation represents an idea, which is associated with that word. Connotation can be a suggested word.

To get a clear understanding about connotation and denotation, another example is mentioned below.
In respect of denotation, ‘Home’ means a structure or building.
In respect of connotation, ‘Home’ refers the words such as comfort, a place of good feeling, etc.
On the other hand, childish and childlike relate to the characteristic of a child and youthful. Here, in terms of connotation, childlike refers innocence, whereas childish refers pettiness.

Words- Fox- Attractive lady (Connotation), Red small wild dog (Denotation)
Words-Snake-untrustworthy man/woman (Connotation), Long reptile, without legs (Denotation)

Positive and Negative Connotation with the same Denotation:
Example: Young (Denotation)-Youthful (Positive Connotation) and Childish (Negative Connotation)