What are connotations?

Connotations are a feeling or idea that is suggested by a particular word. They give us the emotional connection with words.

Words can be split into 'negative','positive' and 'neutral' connotations.

Examples:

cheap / thrifty

cheap - (negative) a person who hates to spend money.

thrifty - (positive) a person who is very careful with money.

young / youthful / childish

young - (neutral) a person who is of a young age.

youthful - (positive) a person who may not be young, but has all the good qualities of youth.

childish - (negative) a person who behaves like a child in a negative way.

thin / slim / skinny

thin - (neutral) a body size that is the opposite of 'fat'.

slim - (positive) used to describe an attractive body shape which is 'thin'.

skinny - (negative) to be too thin.

an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.