A neutral connotation refers to the emotional association that a word carries, which is neither positive nor negative. It describes a word’s literal meaning without any added implications or feelings attached to it.
For example, the word ‘home’ typically has a positive connotation because it relates to comfort and safety. In contrast, the word ‘house’ has a neutral connotation; it simply describes a physical structure without implying any emotional connection. Understanding the nuances of connotation is important for effective communication, as the words we choose can significantly influence how our message is received.