Example of Connotative Words

Connotative words are words that in addition to their own meaning (denotative) are used with a metaphorical, comparative or figurative sense, to represent another concept or idea.

The most common is to find words that describe a physical characteristic, a vice or a virtue, by using another word that highlights the quality that you want to highlight. Thus, for example, to speak of very white teeth, it is said pearl teeth. In this case, pearl is a connotative word, since it does not refer to impurities covered with mother-of-pearl obtained from oysters (meaning denotative), but is used to highlight the whiteness and brilliance of the teeth (meaning connotative).

Some connotative words cannot be understood in certain cultural contexts, that is, they form part of some localisms that other listeners or readers outside the customs, find it hard understand. This happens frequently in sayings, such as the Mexican saying the one born for the tamale, the leaves fall from the sky, It is difficult to understand in places like Spain, where these dishes made from corn dough are almost unknown, usually stuffed, wrapped in corn or banana leaves and steamed (denotative meaning) and that metaphorically means that when someone has a skill or a destiny, life provides what he needs (meaning connotative).

There is also the use of connotative words in double-meaning sentences, in which a direct idea is expressed, but at the same time there are a hidden idea that not everyone can grasp, and only a few realize what was said Really. It is also used to mischievously describe an everyday object. Example: I love you, but I better keep it.

21 Examples of Connotative Words:

1. In the phrase "Your ruby ​​lipsThe word ruby ​​has the connotation of the color red and is used to highlight the red of the person's lips.
   
2. “He handled people in such a way that they did what he wanted”. Here the word Driven has the connotation of controlling or influencing people, which is different from the meaning of driving a vehicle.
   
3. “His hand looked like a paddle”. It does not mean that his hand was shaped like a paddle, but that it was very cold.
   
4. “Juan turns into a lion when he loses his teamIt does not mean that Juan becomes a lion, the connotation of this phrase is that Juan becomes furious.
   
5. “Pedro goes crazy when he walks into a toy store. “The connotation of the word crazy in this sentence means that Pedro is happy when he enters a toy store.

1. “He was heartbroken when he found out the truth”. The word broke takes on the meaning of great sentimental pain.
   
2. “His complexion was porcelain “. The connotation of the word porcelain in this context means lush and smooth.
   
3. “His gaze was lacerating”. Here it is noted that a person's gaze does some harm.
   
4. “His hands are silk”. This is intended to imply that the person's hands are soft and pleasant.
   
5. “His heart is gold"In this one tries to express the goodness of the person, saying that his heart is worth a lot.
   
6. “Her pearl teeth”It expresses how white or nice a person's teeth are, that they are beautiful.
7. “Give a glimmer of hope"It implies that light is a good point that allows one to have hope.
   
8. “Plays an important role" The role concept corresponds to performance and is a very broad connotation that expresses the point that corresponds to perform.
   
9. “It is driven by the heart"It is a way of expressing that his will is healthy and honest.
   
10. “Will of steel"Try to express that his will does not collapse in the inclemency of problems.
    
11. “Has a line of conduct”Explain that there is a marked parameter, line here expresses a regulation or rule already established.
    
12. “Sharpen your talent”
    
13. “Goose-flesh”. It is a way of saying that a person is afraid or has the hair on the body standing on end.
    
14. “Hard as jelly”This is an irony that expresses how fragile a person is, whether in will or physically, everything is contextual.
    
15. “Hard line”The line represents a rule or regulation that is strongly followed.
    
16. “Relentless will"He tries to say that his will is not influenced by other or contrary reasons.