Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment (KPA) Practice Test

What is connotation?

1. The dictionary meaning of a word

2. Emotions or feelings aroused by a word

3. The arrangement of words in a sentence

4. The context in which a word is used

The correct answer is: Emotions or feelings aroused by a word

Connotation refers to the array of emotions or feelings that a word evokes in addition to its literal meaning. It encompasses the positive, negative, or neutral associations that people have with a particular word based on their personal experiences, societal context, and culture. For instance, the word "home" carries warm connotations of safety, comfort, and family, while "prison" may elicit feelings of confinement and fear. Understanding connotation is crucial for effective communication, as it can significantly influence how a message is received and interpreted. The other options provide different aspects of language; for example, the dictionary meaning pertains to denotation, which is simply the direct, literal meaning. The arrangement of words relates to syntax, whereas context pertains to how words function within a particular situation, but these do not capture the essence of connotation, which is focused on emotional implications.