Denotation is the literal, dictionary definition of a word. It's the objective meaning, the core concept the word represents.
Connotation refers to the emotional associations, cultural implications, and subjective meanings that a word carries beyond its literal definition. It's the baggage a word brings with it based on personal experiences, cultural context, and shared understanding.
Example:
* Word: Home
* Denotation: A place where someone lives.
* Connotation: Safety, comfort, family, belonging, warmth, nostalgia (positive), or loneliness, isolation, stress (negative), depending on the context and individual.
Here's a simple way to remember the difference:
* Denotation: What the word *means*
* Connotation: What the word *evokes*
Connotation is often a matter of personal interpretation and can vary from person to person. It's crucial to consider the context of a word to understand its intended meaning and the impact it might have on the reader or listener.