What do connotations of a word refer to?

Connotations of a word refer to the emotional implications and associations that the word carries beyond its literal dictionary definition. This includes the feelings, ideas, or images that arise when the word is used in various contexts. For example, the word "home" might connote warmth, safety, or comfort, while conversely, "prison" may carry feelings of confinement or fear. These associations can vary based on personal experiences and cultural backgrounds, making connotations a vital aspect of language, as they enrich communication and influence how messages are perceived. The other options focus on different aspects of language use: the dictionary definition denotes the literal meaning, synonyms are words with similar meanings, and grammatical use pertains to how words function in sentences.