What is the denotation of a word?

The denotation of a word refers to its literal or primary meaning, which is the definition found in a dictionary. This definition is objective and does not encompass any emotional or associative meaning that the word may carry, which is known as connotation. Understanding denotation is crucial in effective communication, as it establishes a clear and unambiguous understanding of what is being conveyed, without the influence of personal feelings or interpretations.

In this context, while other choices reflect important concepts related to language and its use, they do not define denotation. The emotional impact of a word relates to its connotation, which involves the feelings and associations it evokes. Techniques for creating suspense and types of metaphors are distinct literary devices or techniques that do not pertain to the fundamental definition of a word. Thus, recognizing the distinction between denotation and connotation is key in literary analysis and vocabulary comprehension.