Final answer:
All the choices regarding new vocabulary are correct, encompassing denotative meanings, the emotional significance of words to different individuals, and the deliberate word choices by writers.
Step-by-step explanation:
When trying to understand new vocabulary words, it is important to consider that all of the choices are correct: words have literal, denotative meanings; a word might emotionally mean different things to different people; and while reading, it is important to think about why writers might have chosen one word over another.
Connotation Versus Denotation
Understanding a word's denotation is understanding its dictionary definition, such as a 'cow' being a four-legged herbivorous mammal. Nonetheless, a word can also have a connotation, which is the non-literal, often emotional or cultural meaning associated with it. For instance, the connotation of 'cow' may include thoughts of farm life, the countryside, or a glass of fresh milk, which carry different emotional resonances.
While denotative meanings are literal, connotative meanings are figurative and influenced by context, author choice, and reader interpretation. Words such as 'home,' 'house,' and 'residence' all denote a place to live but have different connotative meanings. 'Home' connotes warmth and security, while 'residence' is more neutral and may evoke less emotional attachment.
Connotations can vary between cultures and over time, and they play a crucial role in literature. For example, a word like 'green' may connotate prosperity in Western cultures, while 'red' may carry that connotation in Eastern cultures. This highlights the diverse ways in which words can be interpreted based on an individual's background and emotions.