What is a word connotation?

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Connotation refers to the additional meaning or nuance that a word carries beyond its literal definition (denotation). It encompasses the emotional, cultural, or subjective implications and associations that a word evokes in the minds of people. For example, the word "home" connotes comfort, safety, and belonging, while "house" simply denotes a physical structure. Connotations can be positive, negative, or neutral, and they can vary based on context, culture, and individual experiences. Understanding connotation is important in language because it can influence how messages are perceived and understood.