The correct distinction is:
Connotation is the associations attached to a word, and denotation is a word’s literal meaning.
To further clarify:
-
Denotation refers to the explicit, dictionary definition of a word—the straightforward meaning without any emotional or associative implications.
-
Connotation, on the other hand, encompasses the emotional and cultural associations that may accompany a word, which can vary based on context, personal experience, and societal influences.