Spanish word

connotar

Pronunciation

IPA/konnoˈtaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbsuggest

Example

Esa sonrisa connota alegría.

That smile suggests joy.

Illustration for connotar (suggest)

More examples

Su expresión connota duda.

His expression suggests doubt.

Core concept

A halo of implied meaning around a word.

Common phrases

  • connotar un significado

    suggest a meaning

  • connotar una idea

    suggest an idea

  • connotar un matiz

    suggest a nuance

Similar words

sugerir: Offers an opinion or proposal indirectly, without stating it outright.
implicar: Shows that one fact naturally entails or points to a related fact.
insinuar: Hints at something subtly and indirectly, leaving the intended meaning unspoken.

Definition in Spanish

Implicar o sugerir algo que no se dice de forma literal, es decir, un matiz o asociación que acompaña al significado literal.

Word origin

From Latin connotare (con- 'together' + notare 'to mark'), originally 'to mark together', the verb names the added associations or emotional shades that accompany a word's literal meaning.

Usage tips

  • In casual speech Spanish speakers often use 'sugerir' or 'dar a entender' instead of connotar, which sounds more formal or analytical.

Other meanings

  • hint atverb
  • implyverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word