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Yes, a word can have multiple meanings. The denotative meaning of a word refers to its literal or dictionary definition, while the connotative meaning refers to the emotional or cultural associations that come with a word. This is why context is important in understanding the intended meaning of a word.

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Q: Connotative or denotative - can a word have more than one meaning?
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What is the denotative and connotative meaning of island?

A tract of land surrounded by water, and smaller than a continent. Cf. Continent., Anything regarded as resembling an island; as, an island of ice., See Isle, n., 2., To cause to become or to resemble an island; to make an island or islands of; to isle., To furnish with an island or with islands; as, to island the deep.


What does the term denotative meaning refer to?

Denotative meaning refers to the literal or primary meaning of a word or phrase as defined in the dictionary, regardless of any associated connotations. It focuses on the specific, objective definition of a word, rather than its subjective or implied meanings.


What is the state of having more than one possible meaning which often leads to misunderstanding because the meaning is not clear?

Ambiguity is the state of having more than one possible meaning, which can lead to confusion or misunderstanding due to lack of clarity.


Which is the term for words that have more than the literal meaning?

The term for words that have more than the literal meaning is "figurative language." This includes figures of speech like metaphors, similes, and idioms which convey meanings beyond their literal interpretation.


The best example of a connotative value for the word couch?

The connotative value of the word couch can vary based on personal experiences and cultural associations. However, a common connotation is that of comfort and relaxation. When someone hears the word couch, they may think of lounging, watching TV, or snuggling up with a book, rather than simply a piece of furniture.

Related questions

What is the denotative and connotative meaning of clouds?

Denotative= has a higher moisture level than other clouds. connotative= has a lower moisture level


Does every word have a denotative and connotative meaning?

Not. The dictionary meaning is the denotative meaning of the word. The connotative meaning is a meaning which derives from the associations the word has. The dictionary meaning of "swastika" is " a cross where the outer part of all four limbs is bent at right angles either clockwise or anti-clockwise." But that doesn't explain what people associate with swastikas.


You will be free as soon as you are twenty-one, but I am a slave for life!Have not I as good a right to be free as you haveWhich word has a connotative meaning that is less positive than its denotative meaningfree,life,good,slave?

good


What is connotative meaning?

The connotative meaning of a word refers to what it suggests about something.


What is the denotative and connotative meaning of island?

A tract of land surrounded by water, and smaller than a continent. Cf. Continent., Anything regarded as resembling an island; as, an island of ice., See Isle, n., 2., To cause to become or to resemble an island; to make an island or islands of; to isle., To furnish with an island or with islands; as, to island the deep.


What is the connotative and denotative meaning of spinster?

The word "spinster" refers to a woman of marriageable age who is not married - this is its denotative meaning.Once upon a time it did not have any particular connotation, either positive or negative. With time, however, it has taken on a more negative meaning, which linguists call connotation, referring to a woman who is considered to be past her prime, and so presumably no longer attractive to the opposite sex; someone who, by choice, or because of her appearance, character or personal circumstances, has failed to attract a suitable husband. Thus, it is no longer acceptable to refer to a woman as a "spinster", because its connotative meaning is sexist and offensive to women.I hope this helps you to understand the difference between what the word "spinster" means and why it is no longer in common use. Nowadays we prefer words like "single" and "bachelorette", to refer to women who are not married.Curiously, the word's original denotative meaning meant "a person whose job is to spin raw materials into thread." Before spinning was done by machine, it had to be done by people on spinning wheels, and these people were usually women. This was a respectable job that could be done by an unmarried woman of marriageable age, and so was often listed as their occupation, so often that its connotation, that it was the kind of job unmarried women did, became its denotative meaning.


Connotation meaning of island?

A tract of land surrounded by water, and smaller than a continent. Cf. Continent., Anything regarded as resembling an island; as, an island of ice., See Isle, n., 2., To cause to become or to resemble an island; to make an island or islands of; to isle., To furnish with an island or with islands; as, to island the deep.


Denotative and connotative meaning of ocean?

The whole body of salt water which covers more than three fifths of the surface of the globe; -- called also the sea, or great sea., One of the large bodies of water into which the great ocean is regarded as divided, as the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic and Antarctic oceans., An immense expanse; any vast space or quantity without apparent limits; as, the boundless ocean of eternity; an ocean of affairs., Of or pertaining to the main or great sea; as, the ocean waves; an ocean stream.


Denotative an connotative meaning of ocean?

The whole body of salt water which covers more than three fifths of the surface of the globe; -- called also the sea, or great sea., One of the large bodies of water into which the great ocean is regarded as divided, as the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic and Antarctic oceans., An immense expanse; any vast space or quantity without apparent limits; as, the boundless ocean of eternity; an ocean of affairs., Of or pertaining to the main or great sea; as, the ocean waves; an ocean stream.


Differentiate denotation and connotation?

The denotation of a word is its definition, it is what the word normally means. The connotation of a word is a suggested or implied meaning that is additional to the denotation. For example, the word "natural" means found in the world of nature; not artificial. That is the denotation. Many people believe that anything natural is healthier and generally better than anything artificial, so "natural" is used as a complimentary term. That is the connotation.


What is the name for a word with more than one meaning?

A word with more than one meaning is called a homonym.


What is suffix meaning more than as in more than?

There are no suffixes meaning exactly more than But, If you are comparing you should use -er