1. an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning: "the word “discipline” has unhappy connotations of punishment and repression"
▪ the abstract meaning or intension of a term, which forms a principle determining which objects or concepts it applies to.
Word Originmid 16th century: from medieval Latin connotatio(n-), from connotare ‘mark in addition’ (see connote).