What term describes the literal meaning of a word, as opposed to its emotional or cultural associations?

The term that describes the literal meaning of a word, as opposed to its emotional or cultural associations, is denotation. Denotation refers specifically to the objective, dictionary definition of a word without any additional meanings or feelings that might be associated with it. For example, the denotation of the word "home" is simply a place where one lives, while the connotations might include warmth, comfort, or family.

In contrast, connotation involves the emotional and cultural associations that a word carries, which can vary greatly depending on the context and individual perspectives. Diction refers to the choice of words and style of expression used by a speaker or writer, and syntax pertains to the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective communication and interpretation of language.