Here's a breakdown:
* Literal: Denotative meaning focuses on the factual and objective aspects of a word, without any subjective interpretation.
* Objective: It is independent of the speaker or listener's individual perspectives, beliefs, or experiences.
* Dictionary definition: The denotative meaning of a word can typically be found in a dictionary.
For example, the denotative meaning of the word "tree" is:
* A tall plant with a trunk and branches.
This definition is factual and objective, without any personal interpretations or emotional associations.
In contrast, the connotative meaning refers to the emotional, subjective, and cultural associations that a word carries. It's the implied or suggested meaning beyond the literal definition. For example, the word "tree" can evoke feelings of peace, nature, and stability, which are connotative meanings.
Understanding the denotative meaning is crucial for clear communication, especially in technical writing, research, and legal contexts.