Here's a breakdown:
* Focus on the meaning: Denotation is about the core, factual meaning of a word. It's what you'd find in a dictionary.
* Free from emotions: Denotation excludes any personal feelings, cultural nuances, or subjective interpretations.
* Universal understanding: Denotation aims for a universal understanding, ensuring everyone grasps the same meaning.
Example:
* The word "home" denotes a place of residence.
* The word "blue" denotes a specific color on the spectrum.
Contrast with Connotation:
Denotation contrasts with connotation, which refers to the emotional associations, cultural implications, or subjective meanings attached to a word. For example:
* The word "home" can have a warm, comforting connotation.
* The word "blue" can evoke feelings of sadness or melancholy.
In essence, denotation is about the raw meaning of a word, while connotation adds layers of interpretation and emotion.