What is a connotation?
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/connotation
A connotation is the emotional or cultural meaning that is associated with a word, beyond its literal definition. It's the vibe or feeling that a word evokes, based on the context in which it is used.
To understand the connotation of a word, you can follow these steps:
1. Start with the literal definition: Begin by looking up the word in a dictionary to understand its basic meaning.
2. Consider the context: Think about how the word is used in different situations and how it is perceived by different people.
3. Examine emotions and associations: Consider the feelings and associations that the word might bring up. Is it positive, negative, neutral, or ambiguous?
4. Reflect on cultural and historical significance: Understand how the word has been used historically and how it might carry cultural or societal meaning.
5. Seek examples: Look for examples of the word being used in various contexts to understand the connotation more deeply.
By following these steps, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the connotation of a word and how it is perceived beyond its dictionary definition.