Which term refers to the emotional undertone of a word?

The term that refers to the emotional undertone of a word is connotation. Connotation encompasses the associations that a word invokes beyond its literal meaning, or denotation. For example, the word “home” typically connotes warmth, safety, and comfort, whereas the word “house” is more neutral and simply refers to a structure. Understanding connotation is essential in literary analysis, as it allows readers to grasp the deeper emotional and cultural implications of a word within a text. This understanding can significantly enhance one's interpretation and appreciation of literature, as it highlights how word choice influences tone and mood.