Here's a breakdown:
* Denotation: The literal, dictionary definition of a word. It's the objective meaning, devoid of any personal feelings or interpretations.
* Connotation: The emotional associations or implied meanings that a word carries. This is subjective and can vary based on cultural background, personal experiences, and other factors.
For example, "home" has a denotation of a place where someone lives, but its connotation can evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and safety.
So, when you want to understand the formal meaning of a word, you focus on its denotation.