The terms you’ve provided refer to different aspects of word meaning in language. Here’s a brief explanation of each:
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Denotative Meaning: This is the literal, dictionary definition of a word. It refers to the objective meaning that is agreed upon in a language, independent of any emotional associations or connotations. For example, the denotative meaning of "snake" refers to a legless reptile.
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Connotative Meaning: This involves the emotional or associative meanings that a word carries beyond its literal definition. These meanings can vary based on personal, cultural, or contextual factors. For example, the connotative meaning of "snake" may include associations of deceit or treachery in certain contexts.
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Idiomatic Meaning: This refers to meanings that are specific to a particular language or culture and often cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of the words involved. For example, the phrase "kick the bucket" is an idiom that means to die, and its meaning cannot be inferred from the individual words.
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Figurative Meaning: This pertains to meanings that are not literal but convey a symbolic or imaginative sense. Figurative language often includes metaphors, similes, and other rhetorical devices that create a particular effect or convey an idea in a more vivid way. For example, saying "time is a thief" uses figurative language to suggest that time steals moments from our lives.
In summary, the denotative meaning is what you would find in a dictionary as the specific definition, while connotative, idiomatic, and figurative meanings involve additional layers of interpretation and context.
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