Question

What does denotation mean?

Answer 1

Denotation refers to the literal, primary meaning of a word or expression as opposed to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests (which are known as connotation). For example, the denotation of the word "snake" is a legless reptile of the suborder Serpentes, while its connotations might include deceit or danger. In essence, denotation is the explicit meaning of a term, devoid of any emotional or associative implications.