Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

What term refers to the dictionary definition of a word?

1. Connotation

2. Denotation

3. Contextual Meaning

4. Synonym

The correct answer is: Denotation

The term that refers to the dictionary definition of a word is denotation. Denotation is the explicit or direct meaning of a word, as found in a dictionary, without any emotional associations or implications. It represents the standard or literal interpretation of the word. In contrast, connotation involves the emotional and associative meanings that a word can evoke beyond its literal definition. Contextual meaning emphasizes how the meaning of a word can change depending on the context in which it is used, while a synonym refers to a word that has a similar meaning to another word. Understanding denotation is crucial for grasping the precise meaning of words in various texts.