What type of meaning focuses on a word's emotional association?

The correct answer is connotative meaning, which refers to the emotional and cultural associations that a word carries beyond its literal or dictionary definition. While the denotative meaning of a word is its explicit, primary meaning, connotation encompasses the subjective, personal interpretations that individuals may have based on their experiences, cultural background, and emotional connections to that word.

For example, the word "home" has a denotative meaning of a physical structure where one lives, but its connotations might include warmth, comfort, safety, family, and belonging. This emotional layer is what makes connotative meaning significant in communication, as it can influence how a message is received and interpreted by an audience. Understanding connotative meaning enables effective communication by allowing speakers to choose words that evoke appropriate emotions and responses from their audience.