Here's a breakdown:
* Denotation: The literal, dictionary definition of a word.
* Connotation: The emotional associations, cultural implications, or subjective meanings that go beyond the literal definition.
Examples:
* Denotation of "cheap": low in price
* Connotation of "cheap": low quality, poorly made, or even undesirable
* Denotation of "home": a place of residence
* Connotation of "home": a place of comfort, warmth, and belonging
Key things to remember about connotations:
* They are subjective: Different people can have different connotations for the same word.
* They are influenced by culture: The connotations of words can vary across cultures and time periods.
* They can be positive, negative, or neutral: Words can evoke feelings of happiness, sadness, anger, or simply be neutral.
Connotations are important in language because they can add nuance and depth to our communication. By understanding the connotations of words, we can choose the best words to convey our intended meaning and create a desired effect on our audience.