In literary terms, what does denotation refer to?

Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word, which is the explicit meaning found in dictionary definitions. It reflects the objective, straightforward understanding of a term without consideration of the emotions or associations it may evoke (which pertains to connotation). For instance, the denotation of the word "home" is simply a place where one lives, whereas its connotation may include feelings of warmth and security. Understanding denotation is essential for clarity and precision in both writing and communication, as it provides a foundational understanding of terminology before exploring the deeper, associative meanings that words can carry.