Which term means the dictionary definition of a word?

Which term means the dictionary definition of a word?

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

Answer: (C)

Denotation is the dictionary definition—the literal, exact meaning a word has, without any personal feelings or associations. When you look up a word in a dictionary, you’re reading its denotation. Connotation, on the other hand, is what the word suggests beyond the literal meaning—the emotions, ideas, or cultural associations it carries. Synonyms are words with similar denotations, and antonyms are words with opposite denotations. So the term that means the dictionary definition is denotation. For example, the denotation of “home” is the place where a person lives, while its connotations might include warmth and safety.

Denotation is the dictionary definition—the literal, exact meaning a word has, without any personal feelings or associations. When you look up a word in a dictionary, you’re reading its denotation. Connotation, on the other hand, is what the word suggests beyond the literal meaning—the emotions, ideas, or cultural associations it carries. Synonyms are words with similar denotations, and antonyms are words with opposite denotations. So the term that means the dictionary definition is denotation. For example, the denotation of “home” is the place where a person lives, while its connotations might include warmth and safety.