Denote-Connote | Commonly Confused Words

Denote

/dɪˈnəʊt/

To be a sign of or to indicate something

Red lines on the map denote hazardous areas.A symbol can denote a particular idea or object.In logic, letters often denote variables or constants.

/kəˈnəʊt/

To suggest or imply something additional to the main meaning

Her smile seemed to connote a deeper meaning.The color red can connote both danger and love.His silence might connote disapproval or thoughtfulness.

Denote is often used to signify something directly; think of it as pointing explicitly at the meaning.
When you want to talk about what something suggests beyond its literal meaning, youre thinking of connote'.
Denote has a more formal, official, dictionary-like feel to it.
If youre analyzing poetry or literature, youre likely dealing with words and phrases that connote.
Remember, denote is the straightforward path, while connote is the hidden or deeper implication.