The answer is D: the denotative meaning of a word involves the actual dictionary definition of a word.
Denotation is generally defined as dictionary or literal meanings of a word. In contrast, there is connotation, which writers use to form fresh ideas and images, creating figurative language with metaphor, similes etc.
Examples:
Denotative: dove - a bird.
wall - physical boundary.
Connotative: dove - peace.
wall - emotional barrier.