Final answer:
Connotation involves the associations and emotional overtones attached to words beyond their literal meanings. Words can express positive, negative, or neutral connotations, which are influenced by the context in which they are used. This response assigns connotations to a list of words with explanations, considering an academic context.
Step-by-step explanation:
Connotation and denotation are two fundamental aspects of how we understand and use words. The denotation of a word is its literal or primary dictionary definition, while the connotation is all the meanings, associations, or emotions that a word suggests besides its literal definition. When considering the connotation of words, it's important to recognize that they can carry positive, negative, or neutral connotations depending on their usage in context. Below is the connotation of the provided list of words assuming an academic tone:
Words with a specific context can change in connotation as seen with 'diverse' often having positive connotations, and 'brainwashing' with negative connotations.