The dictionary definition of a word is referred to as which of the following?

The dictionary definition of a word is referred to as which of the following?

• A. Connotative meaning
• B. Abstract meaning
• C. Denotative meaning
• D. Concrete meaning

Answer: (C)

The dictionary definition of a word is referred to as denotative meaning. This term describes the explicit, literal, and objective meaning of a word—the definition you would find in a dictionary. Denotative meaning focuses on the specific, clear understanding of a word or phrase, devoid of any emotional associations or subjective interpretations that might be influenced by context or personal experience. In contrast, connotative meaning encompasses the emotions and associations that a word carries beyond its literal definition. Abstract meaning refers to concepts that are not tangible or easily defined, while concrete meaning typically refers to objects or concepts that are tangible and can be perceived by the senses. These other types of meanings do not capture the precise, literal definition that denotative meaning provides.

The dictionary definition of a word is referred to as denotative meaning. This term describes the explicit, literal, and objective meaning of a word—the definition you would find in a dictionary. Denotative meaning focuses on the specific, clear understanding of a word or phrase, devoid of any emotional associations or subjective interpretations that might be influenced by context or personal experience.

In contrast, connotative meaning encompasses the emotions and associations that a word carries beyond its literal definition. Abstract meaning refers to concepts that are not tangible or easily defined, while concrete meaning typically refers to objects or concepts that are tangible and can be perceived by the senses. These other types of meanings do not capture the precise, literal definition that denotative meaning provides.