What’s the difference between denotation an conotation
Denotation and connotation are two different aspects of meaning in language.
Denotation refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word. It is the specific and objective meaning of a word or phrase. For example, the denotation of the word "dog" is a domesticated carnivorous mammal that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, non-retractable claws, and a barking, howling, or whining voice.
Connotation, on the other hand, refers to the emotional, cultural, or subjective associations that a word carries beyond its literal meaning. It is the implied or suggested meaning of a word or phrase. Connotations can vary depending on personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and societal contexts. For example, the word "dog" may have positive connotations for someone who grew up with beloved pet dogs, while it may have negative connotations for someone who had a traumatic experience with aggressive dogs.
In summary, denotation refers to the literal definition of a word, while connotation refers to the emotional, cultural, or subjective associations that a word carries.