Words in the English Language function on many associations and subtexts. These are called ‘connotations’ and they may be positive, negative or even neutral. In this article we’re going to take a look at the concept of the ‘positive connotation’.
What is positive connotation?
A positive connotation is when a word, phrase or sentence has an optimistic or feel-good subtext to it.
It is when the word, phrase or sentence being used has good associations with it.
Although, whether a word has a positive connotation or no sometimes depends upon context or even how a particular person would perceive the word or phrase.
Examples-
A guest came into our house.
- In the above sentence, the word ‘guest’ has a positive connotation as guests are always welcome.
An intruder came into our house.
- On the other hand, the word ‘intruder’ has a negative connotation since someone has seemingly “intruded” into a person’s house.
How to use positive connotation?
A positive connotation can be used by using words or phrases that generally have a cheerful or happy associations with them.
One can actively choose words that lean toward a positive meaning.
Example-
This room has a certain scent I’ve smelled before.
- In the above sentence, the word ‘scent’ has a positive connotation since that term usually denotes a pleasant smell.
- One need not specify that the particular ‘scent’ is good since the word itself establishes that fact due to its positive connotation.
Where to use positive connotation?
A positive connotation maybe used wherever a person may want to convey a certain enthusiasm of what they’re talking about.
Positive connotations may also be used to convey a certain niceness from the speakers end.
Example-
She is confident in her abilities, even after all the failures.
- In the above sentence, the word ‘confident’ has a positive connotation since it denotes a belief in oneself (within this context).
- It especially has a positive connotation since the ‘confidence’ of the person in question is derived even after a bunch of failures.
- The narrator narrating the above sentence is conveying the observation with a tone of niceness.
Positive connotation use
- Positive connotations can be used to convey information in a diplomatic manner.
There are a lot of words in the English Language with positive connotations that help people in conveying a certain message in a kind way.
- Words with positive connotations are more encouraging when directed toward someone or something.
Words and phrases with positive connotations, when used toward other people obviously have a better effect on their mood.
- Sometimes people can use words or phrases with positive connotations to maybe convey a bad piece of information or news in a tactful manner.
Many professionals across various occupations use the words with positive connotations to give out bad news.
This tactic can be used by people for their inter-personal relationships as well.
Positive connotation examples
1. My sister is the most strong–minded person I know.
In the above sentence, the term ‘strong-minded’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘stubborn’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
2. My niece is quite opinionated on many social and current events.
In the above sentence, the term ‘opinionated’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘biased’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
3. The recipe my aunt asked me to make was quite unique in taste.
In the above sentence, the term ‘unique’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘strange’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
4. I haven’t met anyone with a more go–getter attitude like his.
In the above sentence, the term ‘go-getter’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘opportunist’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
5. The group did any absolutely fantastic job on their project because of their meticulous group leader.
In the above sentence, the term ‘meticulous’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘fussy’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
6. Mark is one of our more flexible employees that we have at this company.
In the above sentence, the term ‘flexible’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘docile’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
7. The dress she gifted me has a bit of a vintage look to it.
In the above sentence, the term ‘vintage’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘old’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
8. The student was elated to hear her test results since she had worked very hard.
In the above sentence, the term ‘elated’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘hyped-up’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
9. The company employed all the methods they could for faster results on profits.
In the above sentence, the term ‘employed’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘exploited’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
10. I bought this couch for my living room at an extremely affordable price.
In the above sentence, the term ‘affordable’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘cheap’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
11. This pen might not look like it but was bought by him from a pretty high–end brand.
In the above sentence, the term ‘high-end’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘expensive’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
12. She has an assertive personality and that trait is exactly what they need at the new start-up.
In the above sentence, the term ‘assertive’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘bossy’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
13. He has a certain youthful sincerity about him which we all like.
In the above sentence, the term ‘youthful’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘naive’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
14. They came into our store along with their inquisitive toddler who just wouldn’t stop asking questions.
In the above sentence, the term ‘inquisitive’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘nosy’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
15. Our college dean is quite resolute in the decisions he makes for our institution.
In the above sentence, the term ‘resolute’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘obstinate’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
16. These two have been diligent students all their lives and it has almost always paid off.
In the above sentence, the term ‘diligent’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘studious’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
17. She had an extraordinary idea for a new product, but not everyone agreed with her.
In the above sentence, the term ‘extraordinary’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘different’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
18. My friends and I gazed at stars all night long during our picnic.
In the above sentence, the term ‘gazed’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘stared’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
19. My cousins were having a debate about whose clothing style is better.
In the above sentence, the term ‘debate’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘argument’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
20. The kid acts very excited when his favorite song plays on the radio.
In the above sentence, the term ‘excited’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘hyper’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
21. The bride opted for a more natural look for her intimate wedding.
In the above sentence, the term ‘natural’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘boring’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
22. She is the most considerate person I know.
In the above sentence, the term ‘considerate’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘pushed-over’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
23. He is quite generous with his spending habits.
In the above sentence, the term ‘generous’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘reckless’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
24. He is known to be quite clever due to his ability to read between the lines.
In the above sentence, the term ‘clever’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘cunning’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
25. My grandmother is quite thrifty when it comes to purchasing things for herself.
In the above sentence, the term ‘thrifty’ has a positive connotation.
This is because if even a mildly different word with a similar meaning like ‘stingy’ were to be used, it would completely change the tone of the above statement.
Conclusion
Hence, one can see how positive connotations can be used in a tactful way to convey different forms of messaging, be it positive in a true sense or sometimes even have negative undertones.
Hi…..I’m a graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. I wish to do a Masters in the same field someday and continue my career in Academia.
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