In literary terms, what is the opposite of connotation?

The correct answer focuses on the denotative meaning, which refers to the literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotional or cultural associations that the word might carry. In contrast, connotation relates to the subjective and emotional nuances attached to a word beyond its straightforward meaning. For example, the word "home" has a denotation of a place where one lives, but its connotation might include feelings of warmth, safety, or family. Understanding the distinction between denotation and connotation is essential in literary analysis, as it allows readers to appreciate the deeper layers of meaning in a text.