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The 'Word of the Week' is:
"connotation"
This week, I decided to include the singular form of one of my favourite words - 'connotations'.
First, the meaning.
connotation / n.
1 that which is implied by a word etc. in addition to its literal or primary
meaning (a letter with sinister connotations).
2 the act of connoting or implying.
In case you don't know what 'connoting' means, here is the dictionary definition of the dictionary form of that verb.
connote // v.tr.
1 (of a word etc.) imply in addition to the literal or primary meaning.
2 (of a fact) imply as a consequence or condition.
3 mean, signify.
connotative /, / adj.
[medieval Latin connotare ‘mark in addition’ (as com-, notare from
nota ‘mark’)]
Usage
So, you could point out to someone that their letter didn't say anything abusive, it had aggresive connotations and that they should lighten up a bit.
Another example of how this word could be used is 'Whilst you didn't explicitly say anything bad about me, your words had pejorative connotations."
This is a great phrase to learn if you want to make it easier to sue people for slander.
And if you don't know what pejorative means... well, that's next week's word.