Here's a breakdown:
* Objective: It's not influenced by personal feelings or opinions.
* Literal: It's the core meaning of the word, not any figurative or implied meanings.
* Dictionary Definition: It's the meaning you'd find in a dictionary or reference guide.
* Agreed-upon: It's a generally accepted understanding within a language community.
Example:
* Word: "Home"
* Denotative meaning: A place where a person lives.
This definition doesn't convey any emotions, personal experiences, or cultural associations. It simply states the basic, objective meaning of the word.
Contrast with Connotative Meaning
The denotative meaning is distinct from the connotative meaning, which is the emotional, subjective, or cultural associations that people have with a word.
Example:
* Word: "Home"
* Connotative meaning: Warmth, safety, comfort, family, love.
The connotative meaning can vary depending on the individual and their experiences.
Understanding denotation is essential for clear communication because it helps ensure that your meaning is understood objectively.