Which term describes the explicit dictionary meaning of a word?

Which term describes the explicit dictionary meaning of a word?

• A. Connotation
• B. Denotation
• C. Synonym
• D. Homonym

Answer: (B)

Denotation is the explicit dictionary meaning of a word—the exact, literal definition you would find in a dictionary. It names the thing itself without any feelings or associations attached. For example, the denotation of “snake” is a legless reptile. Connotation, on the other hand, involves the ideas or emotions a word evokes beyond its literal meaning. A synonym is a different word with a similar meaning, like “quick” and “rapid.” A homonym refers to words that share the same form (sound or spelling) but have different meanings, such as “bat” (the animal) and “bat” (the sports implement).

Denotation is the explicit dictionary meaning of a word—the exact, literal definition you would find in a dictionary. It names the thing itself without any feelings or associations attached. For example, the denotation of “snake” is a legless reptile. Connotation, on the other hand, involves the ideas or emotions a word evokes beyond its literal meaning. A synonym is a different word with a similar meaning, like “quick” and “rapid.” A homonym refers to words that share the same form (sound or spelling) but have different meanings, such as “bat” (the animal) and “bat” (the sports implement).