What does denotation mean?

Responses

the attitude an author shows toward their subject
the attitude an author shows toward their subject

the idea or feeling a word invokes
the idea or feeling a word invokes

the literal meaning of a word
the literal meaning of a word

subtle differences in the meanings of words

1 answer

Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word. It is the straightforward, dictionary definition without any emotional or associative implications.