Connotation vs. Definition

[BJCooperIT]

Yahoo's daily word is:

gratuitous
DEFINITION: (adjective) given freely or without cause.
EXAMPLE: Since her opinion was not requested, her harsh criticism of his singing seemed a gratuitous insult.
SYNONYMS: free, complimentary

"Gratuitous" is a word that I have only ever heard used in a derogatory fashion, but the definition and synonyms do not convey that.

Can you think of other words that we use that often imply a good/bad connotation not in their definition?


^{Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw}
Consultant Developer/Analyst Oracle, Forms, Reports & PL/SQL (Windows)
Author and Sole Proprietor of: Emu Products Plus

 

[CajunCenturion]

This should be fun:

Definition: Stressing economy of resources.
Is it a) Frugal, or b) Stingy?

Definition: Object of past times
Is it a) Outdated, or b) Antique?

Definition: Distinctive smell
Is is an a) Odor, or b) Aroma?

Good Luck
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[SilentAiche]

[blue]a derogatory fashion[/blue]: er, basically whatever I'm wearing.

Tim

[blue]______________________________________________________________
Once, while sitting on the bank of Stick Creek, I found myself thinking about small lakes. Then, I realized, I was probably just pondering. [/blue]

 

[Stella740pl]

BJCooperIT,

Is the example yours or Yahoo's?
It seems to have that derogatory connotation absent in the definition. Which, together with the words "without cause" can help to complete the picture.

As for the definition, they should probably start using a different dictionary.
Say,

http://www.yourdictionary.com,

with the reference to The American Heritage dictionary, give the following three definitions:

[b][i]gra·tu·i·tous[/i][/b]  
...
1) Given or granted without return or recompense; unearned. 

2) Given or received without cost or obligation; free. 

3) Unnecessary or unwarranted; unjustified: [i]gratuitous criticism[/i].

I would say, I see implied bad connotation in two out of three, 1) and 3). Just note the words "unearned" and "unjustified" in the definitions.

 

[hilfy]

And then there are words that have taken on a negative connotation entirely different from their original meanings, such as:

Faggot - This originally refered to a bundle of sticks or firewood. It's now used as a derogatory term for a homosexual.

-Dell

A computer only does what you actually told it to do - not what you thought you told it to do.

 

[BJCooperIT]

Stella, that is the definition that Yahoo gave.

Sarcasm in the speaker's voice also alters meanings:
You are so smart.
Well thank you!
We took the scenic route.
I love it.

^{Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw}
Consultant Developer/Analyst Oracle, Forms, Reports & PL/SQL (Windows)
Author and Sole Proprietor of: Emu Products Plus

 

[sleipnir214]

hilfy:
Even today, the meaning of the word "faggot" varies by regional idiom. When my Aussie friend tells me he's going to go suck on a fag, I understand him to mean he's going to go smoke a cigarette.


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[stackdump]

Words such as oversight and overlook always initially register as negative in my mind. These words can be used in a positive sense e.g. the chief engineer has technical oversight, the pilot will overlook the aircraft etc.

It's strange that the definitions for overlook are a mix of good/bad;
1 supervise, oversee - GOOD
2 have a view from above, a commanding position - GOOD
3 Fail to notice, ignore, condone - BAD
4 bewitch with the evil eye - BAD

It's also odd that out of all the words that begin "over", these two (plus overcame) seem to be the only ones that can have these good connotations?