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A connotation is a commonly understood cultural or emotional association that any given word or phrase carries, in addition to its explicit or literal meaning, which is its denotation. A connotation is frequently described as either positive or negative, with regard to its pleasing or displeasing emotional connection. [ 1 ]
Divided by a Common Language: A Guide to British and American English. Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 978-0-618-00275-7. Hargraves, Orin (2003). Mighty Fine Words and Smashing Expressions: Making Sense of Transatlantic English. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-515704-8.
While firm, obstinate, and pig-headed are all synonymous with stubbornness, the emotive connotations of these words are different. Firm carries a positive connotation, obstinate carries a neutral (or slightly negative) connotation, and pig-headed fool carries a negative connotation. Thus, most individuals have a positive reaction toward the ...
Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one's own life, or the world at large. [1] As a verb, Merriam-Webster defines hope as "to expect with confidence" or "to cherish a desire with anticipation". [2] Among its opposites are dejection, hopelessness ...
Semantic change (also semantic shift, semantic progression, semantic development, or semantic drift) is a form of language change regarding the evolution of word usage—usually to the point that the modern meaning is radically different from the original usage.
In the wise words of baseball great Yogi Berra, “when you come to a fork in the road, take it!” Whichever way you decide to go—funny, inspiring, motivating, or even Dr. Suess (yes, of course ...
In ordinary English, optimism may be synonymous with idealism—often, unrealistic or foolish optimism in particular. The term derives from the Latin optimum, meaning "best". To be optimistic, in the typical sense of the word, is to expect the best possible outcome from any given situation. [1]
Celebrate Independence Day by posting these inspirational and funny 4th of July quotes. Here are the most famous patriotic sayings from some of America's best.