Here's a breakdown:
* Denotation: The literal, dictionary definition of a word.
* Connotation: The implied meaning or feeling that a word evokes, based on its cultural context, personal experiences, and associations.
Example:
* Denotation of "home": A place of residence.
* Connotation of "home": Warmth, comfort, safety, love, family, nostalgia.
Other examples:
* "Cheap" vs. "Affordable": Both words technically mean "low in price," but "cheap" often carries a negative connotation of low quality, while "affordable" implies a positive connotation of being accessible.
* "Skinny" vs. "Slender": Both describe a thin physique, but "skinny" often carries a negative connotation, while "slender" is more flattering.
In short, connotation is the "extra baggage" that words carry, adding layers of meaning and emotion to communication.