Question

which statement defines denotation?
it is the root of a word.
it is specialized terminology.
it is a word’s dictionary meaning.
it is a word’s meaning based on usage.

Explanation:

To determine the correct definition of denotation, we analyze each option:

• "It is the root of a word" refers to etymology (word roots), not denotation.
• "It is specialized terminology" describes jargon, not denotation.
• "It is a word’s dictionary meaning" matches the definition of denotation, which is the literal, dictionary - defined meaning of a word.
• "It is a word’s meaning based on usage" describes connotation (or contextual meaning), not denotation.

Answer:

C. It is a word’s dictionary meaning.