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

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

• A. Connotation
• B. Denotation
• C. Compendium
• D. Debate

Answer: (B)

Denotation is the basic dictionary meaning of a word—the literal, explicit definition you’d find in a dictionary. It’s the straightforward sense of the word without emotional overtones or associations. For example, the denotation of “home” is the place where one lives. Connotation, by contrast, involves the feelings and ideas a word evokes beyond its literal meaning. A compendium is simply a large collection or summary of information, not related to how a word is defined. A debate is a formal discussion or argument, not a word’s meaning.

Denotation is the basic dictionary meaning of a word—the literal, explicit definition you’d find in a dictionary. It’s the straightforward sense of the word without emotional overtones or associations. For example, the denotation of “home” is the place where one lives. Connotation, by contrast, involves the feelings and ideas a word evokes beyond its literal meaning. A compendium is simply a large collection or summary of information, not related to how a word is defined. A debate is a formal discussion or argument, not a word’s meaning.