Final answer:
In the context of renting property, the word 'dive' has a negative connotation and means a cheap and run-down place. As such, the correct answer is b) A cheap and run-down place.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the sentence "We rented a dive before we bought our first house," the connotation of the word dive is b) A cheap and run-down place. This term is often used informally to describe a place that is poorly maintained, not necessarily clean, and generally of a lower standard.
While 'dive' can indeed have other meanings, in this context it refers to a place of accommodation that is far from luxurious. It's important to understand that words can carry positive, negative, or neutral connotations depending on their use in context, and 'dive' in this case definitely implies a negative connotation.
Often in English, the same word can have multiple meanings, and it's the context that clarifies which meaning is intended. For example, 'dive' could refer to a deep underwater exploration when associated with scuba diving. However, given the context of renting a place to live, we can dismiss this meaning.
Similarly, a 'dive' could be a risky adventure or a luxurious retreat, but neither of these makes sense in the context of a sentence about renting a place before buying a house.
The correct option for the connotation of the word 'dive' in the provided sentence is b) A cheap and run-down place.