Which term describes the literal dictionary meaning of a word?

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Multiple Choice

Which term describes the literal dictionary meaning of a word?

Explanation:
Denotation is the term for a word's literal dictionary meaning—the explicit definition without emotional overtones. For example, the denotation of "home" is a place where someone lives. Connotation refers to the ideas or feelings a word evokes beyond its literal meaning, such as warmth or security tied to "home." A metaphor describes one thing as another (time is a thief), and a simile makes a comparison using like or as (bright as a day). So, the correct term is denotation because it captures the word's basic, dictionary meaning rather than the feelings it carries or any figurative use.

Denotation is the term for a word's literal dictionary meaning—the explicit definition without emotional overtones. For example, the denotation of "home" is a place where someone lives. Connotation refers to the ideas or feelings a word evokes beyond its literal meaning, such as warmth or security tied to "home." A metaphor describes one thing as another (time is a thief), and a simile makes a comparison using like or as (bright as a day). So, the correct term is denotation because it captures the word's basic, dictionary meaning rather than the feelings it carries or any figurative use.

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