What is the difference between denotation and connotation?

Denotation is defined as the literal or primary meaning of a word, the objective definition you would find in a dictionary. It represents the explicit meaning without any emotional or cultural implications. For instance, the denotation of the word "snake" refers to the reptile itself.

On the other hand, connotation involves the secondary meanings that a word carries, which include the emotional, cultural, or suggestive aspects. This means that the connotation of "snake" might evoke ideas of treachery or danger, even though its denotation is simply that of a snake as an animal.

The choice that correctly captures this distinction is the one that states that denotation is the literal meaning, while connotation refers to the emotional or cultural associations that words can have. This clarity helps to understand how language operates on both a straightforward and a nuanced level, influencing interpretation and communication.