Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment (KPA) Practice Test

What is denotation?

1. The emotional connotation of a word

2. The literal or dictionary meaning of a word

3. The historical usage of a word

4. An opinion about the word

The correct answer is: The literal or dictionary meaning of a word

Denotation refers to the literal or dictionary meaning of a word. It is the objective definition that one would find in a reference source, without any emotional associations or implications that may accompany the word in different contexts. For instance, the denotation of "home" is simply a place where someone lives, while its connotation might evoke feelings of warmth and safety. Understanding denotation is crucial as it provides a clear and unambiguous understanding of language that is foundational for effective communication. The other options pertain to different aspects of language. Emotional connotation relates to the feelings a word may evoke; historical usage refers to how the meaning of a word may have evolved over time; and an opinion about a word represents subjective interpretation, none of which align with the strict, literal definition that denotation provides.