Question

Symbols tend to derive their meaning from people and their experience. This illustrates what type of meaning?

1) Denotative meaning
2) Connotative meaning
3) Literal meaning
4) Figurative meaning

Answer 1

Symbols tend to derive their meaning from people and their experience. This illustrates connotative meaning.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of meaning that symbols tend to derive from people and their experience is connotative meaning. Connotative meaning refers to the non-literal, implied meaning that is associated with words or symbols. It is the meaning that is shaped by an individual's personal experiences, cultural background, and emotions. Unlike denotative meaning, which is the literal dictionary definition of a word or symbol, connotative meaning allows for multiple interpretations and can vary among different individuals and societies.

Answer 2

Symbols gaining meaning from people's experiences demonstrate 2) connotative meaning, which relates to the emotional and associative qualities of a word, unlike the literal denotative meaning. This type of meaning can influence tone and interpretation in literature.

Step-by-step explanation:

When symbols derive their meaning from people and their experiences, they are illustrating a type of meaning known as connotative meaning. Unlike denotative meaning, which refers to the literal, dictionary definition of a word, connotative meaning encompasses the emotional and associative qualities that go beyond the strict denotative definition. For instance, the term 'home' denotes a place where one lives, but connotatively, it can imply warmth, security, or comfort, which are subjective feelings and experiences associated with the word.

Symbols and words in literature and daily communication often carry connotative meanings. These meanings can vary significantly based on cultural context and personal experiences. For instance, the color green connotes prosperity in Western cultures, while in Eastern cultures, red may carry a similar connotation. Similarly, poetic language relies heavily on connotation to evoke emotions and set the tone, demonstrating how the non-literal meanings of words can shape readers' interpretations. Therefore, the answer to the student's question is option 2) Connotative meaning.