Here's why:
* Denotation: The literal, dictionary definition of a word. The denotation of "villain" is simply "a wicked or evil person."
* Connotation: The emotional associations, cultural implications, and personal interpretations that a word carries beyond its literal meaning. "Villain" evokes strong negative connotations like wickedness, cruelty, and malevolence.
When we hear "villain," we don't just think of someone who did something wrong; we imagine a character who is inherently bad and often poses a threat to others.