Which option correctly describes denotation?

Which option correctly describes denotation?

• A. Implied meaning
• B. Spoken usage
• C. Audience reaction
• D. Literal meaning

Answer: (D)

Denotation is the literal meaning—the dictionary sense—of a word. This item asks you to identify which description matches that straightforward sense, so the description of the literal meaning is the correct one. Implied meaning describes connotation—the feelings or associations a word carries beyond its dictionary sense. Spoken usage refers to how the word is used in speech, including dialect or register. Audience reaction is about how readers respond to the word, not what it literally means. For example, the word “home” denotes the place someone lives; its connotation might include warmth, safety, and family.

Denotation is the literal meaning—the dictionary sense—of a word. This item asks you to identify which description matches that straightforward sense, so the description of the literal meaning is the correct one. Implied meaning describes connotation—the feelings or associations a word carries beyond its dictionary sense. Spoken usage refers to how the word is used in speech, including dialect or register. Audience reaction is about how readers respond to the word, not what it literally means. For example, the word “home” denotes the place someone lives; its connotation might include warmth, safety, and family.