Special Agent Entrance Practice Exam

What is the implied meaning of a word called?

1. Denotation

2. Connotation

3. Intonation

4. Pronunciation

The correct answer is: Connotation

The implied meaning of a word is referred to as connotation. This concept encompasses the emotional and associative meanings that a word carries beyond its literal definition, or denotation. For example, the word "home" suggests comfort, safety, and family, which are feelings and ideas associated with it, rather than simply meaning a place where one lives. In contrast, denotation specifically refers to the explicit, direct meaning of a word. Intonation deals with the variation in pitch during speech, which affects how something is communicated rather than the meaning of specific words. Pronunciation refers to the correct way to articulate a word. Understanding the difference between connotation and these other terms helps in grasping the nuances of language and the deeper implications of word choice in communication.