Which statement best describes denotation?

• A. The dictionary definition of a word
• B. The emotional meaning of a word
• C. The setting described in the text
• D. The word's origin

Answer: (A)

Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word—the literal, explicit meaning you’d find in a dictionary. It’s the direct thing a word refers to, without the emotions or associations it might carry. That distinction helps: denotation is about the objective meaning, while connotation covers feelings or ideas that come to mind. For example, the denotation of a word like “snake” is the long, legless reptile; its connotation might include danger or treachery depending on context. The setting described in the text or a word’s origin aren’t about the word’s meaning in use, so they don’t describe denotation. The option that states the dictionary definition best captures what denotation means.