Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

What do we call the emotional associations that certain words or phrases evoke?

1. Denotations

2. Connotations

3. Contextual meanings

4. Dialectical associations

The correct answer is: Connotations

The term that refers to the emotional associations that certain words or phrases evoke is connotations. Connotations go beyond the literal meanings of words, which are known as denotations. By understanding connotations, one can appreciate the deeper meanings and feelings that words can convey in different contexts. For instance, the word "home" typically denotes a physical structure where one lives, but its connotations can include feelings of warmth, safety, and belonging. Recognizing these subtle emotional layers enriches communication and comprehension, particularly in literature and persuasive writing. Contextual meanings pertain to how words are interpreted based on the surrounding text but do not specifically focus on the emotional aspect. Dialectical associations relate more to the variations in language and regional usage rather than the emotional layers of individual words. Thus, connotations are the appropriate term for describing the emotional associations that words spark.