Which term refers to the feelings or thoughts associated with a word not included in its literal definition?

Which term refers to the feelings or thoughts associated with a word not included in its literal definition?

• A. Denotation
• B. Connotation
• C. Explicit information
• D. Implicit information

Answer: (B)

Connotation is the feelings or thoughts associated with a word beyond its dictionary definition. That makes it the best fit here, because the question is asking about the emotional or imaginative associations a word carries, not just its literal meaning. For example, “home” suggests warmth and safety through its connotations, while “house” is a neutral term. Denotation is the dictionary meaning—the exact, literal definition. Explicit information is what is stated plainly in a text, while implicit information is what is suggested or inferred but not stated directly. Connotation can shift with context and culture, which is why word choice can convey mood and attitude as well as meaning.

Connotation is the feelings or thoughts associated with a word beyond its dictionary definition. That makes it the best fit here, because the question is asking about the emotional or imaginative associations a word carries, not just its literal meaning. For example, “home” suggests warmth and safety through its connotations, while “house” is a neutral term. Denotation is the dictionary meaning—the exact, literal definition. Explicit information is what is stated plainly in a text, while implicit information is what is suggested or inferred but not stated directly. Connotation can shift with context and culture, which is why word choice can convey mood and attitude as well as meaning.