Here's why:
* Denotation refers to the literal, dictionary definition of a word.
* Every word, by its very nature, has a core meaning that distinguishes it from other words.
Let's consider an example:
* The word "cat" has one primary denotation: a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractable claws.
Even though words can have multiple connotations (associations or implied meanings), they must have at least one denotation to be understood and used effectively.