MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

What is meant by 'connotative' meaning?

1. Strictly the dictionary definition

2. The emotional reaction a word invokes

3. The grammatical structure of a word

4. The scientific definition

The correct answer is: The emotional reaction a word invokes

The term 'connotative' meaning refers to the emotional and associative meanings that a word evokes beyond its literal definition. This includes the feelings, images, or ideas that are automatically triggered in a listener or reader's mind when they hear or read that word. For example, the word "home" may bring to mind feelings of comfort, safety, and belonging, while its denotative meaning is simply a place where one lives. Understanding connotation is essential in communication because it can influence how messages are received and interpreted. While other options focus on aspects like dictionary definitions, grammatical structures, or scientific definitions, they do not capture the richer, emotional layers of meaning that connotations provide. Thus, option B accurately reflects the concept of connotation within language and communication.