What is the difference between denotation and connotation?

• A. Denotation is emotional; connotation is the literal dictionary meaning
• B. Denotation is the literal dictionary meaning; connotation is emotional or cultural associations
• C. They are identical
• D. Connotation refers to syntax in a sentence

Answer: (B)

Words carry two layers. Denotation is the literal dictionary meaning of a word. Connotation is the emotional or cultural associations a word brings to mind beyond its literal meaning. For example, the word home has a denotation of the place where you live, but its connotation includes warmth, safety, and family. Another example: childish and youthful may both refer to being young, yet childish often feels negative while youthful sounds positive. These ideas aren’t about sentence structure—that’s about syntax—so connotation isn’t related to how a sentence is built. In short, denotation is the basic meaning; connotation is the feeling or idea that goes with a word.