Which term refers to the literal dictionary meaning of a word?

Which term refers to the literal dictionary meaning of a word?

• A. Denotation
• B. Connotation
• C. Syntax
• D. Phonology

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is the denotation—the literal dictionary meaning of a word. Denotation is the objective definition you’d find in a dictionary, the direct reference the word makes in a given language, independent of any feelings or associations. For example, the denotation of home is the place where someone lives. The word’s connotation—the warmth, safety, or family feelings it might evoke—lives beyond that literal definition and is not part of the dictionary meaning. Connotation refers to those emotional or subjective associations. Syntax is about the arrangement of words in sentences—the rules of sentence structure. Phonology deals with the sound system of a language—the patterns and features of speech sounds. So, the term that matches the literal dictionary meaning is denotation.

The main idea here is the denotation—the literal dictionary meaning of a word. Denotation is the objective definition you’d find in a dictionary, the direct reference the word makes in a given language, independent of any feelings or associations.

For example, the denotation of home is the place where someone lives. The word’s connotation—the warmth, safety, or family feelings it might evoke—lives beyond that literal definition and is not part of the dictionary meaning.

Connotation refers to those emotional or subjective associations. Syntax is about the arrangement of words in sentences—the rules of sentence structure. Phonology deals with the sound system of a language—the patterns and features of speech sounds.

So, the term that matches the literal dictionary meaning is denotation.