Which statement about denotation is true?

• A. The emotional associations attached to a word.
• B. The literal dictionary meaning of a word.
• C. An example of metaphor.
• D. A synonym with a similar connotation.

Answer: (B)

Denotation is the literal dictionary meaning of a word—the basic thing or idea the word names. The statement that denotation is the literal dictionary meaning fits this idea exactly. For example, the denotation of “home” is the place where someone lives. Its emotional feel or associations—like comfort or safety—are connotations, not denotation. A metaphor is a figure of speech, not a definition. A synonym with similar connotation describes related meaning with nuance, which isn’t about the literal sense either. So the true statement is that denotation equals the dictionary meaning.