How to pronounce connotation
Say it like kah-nuh-TAY-shun. Connotation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TAY).
- kah
- nuh
- TAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Connotation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kahGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- nuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of connotation
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: kon-uh-TAY-shun.
What does connotation mean?
- A meaning of a word or phrase that is suggested or implied, as opposed to a denotation, or literal meaning. A characteristic of words or phrases, or of the contexts that words and phrases are used in.“The word "advisedly" has a connotation of "wisely", although it denotes merely "intentionally" and "deliberately."”
- The attribute or aggregate of attributes connoted by a term, contrasted with denotation.“The two expressions "the morning star" and "the evening star" have different connotations but the same denotation (i.e. the planet Venus).”
Where does connotation come from?
Borrowed from Medieval Latin connotātiō, from connotō (“to mark in addition”), from Latin con- (“together, with”) + notō (“to note”); equivalent to connote + -ation.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with connotation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of connotation.
Questions about saying connotation
How do you pronounce connotation?
Say kah-nuh-TAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌkɑnəˈteɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌkɒnəˈteɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in connotation?
Connotation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TAY). Broken into parts: kah · nuh · TAY · shun.
Is connotation pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌkɒnəˈteɪʃən/ (kon-uh-TAY-shun).