Final answer:
The correct answer is option 1. The associated thoughts and feelings of a word are its connotations, which can be positive, negative, or neutral. Understanding a word's connotation is critical for effective communication, as connotations provide emotional overtones beyond the literal denotation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The thoughts and feelings associated with a certain word are called the connotations of the word; they can be positive, negative, or neutral. Words with the same denotation can have different connotations. Connotations are subjective and can vary based on a person's background, cultural setting, emotions, and personal experiences. For instance, 'home' might denote a living space but connotes safety and comfort, implying a more profound sense of place than 'house' or 'residence,' which might carry less emotional weight.
Knowing the connotations of words is especially important in communication, literature, and poetry, as the implied meanings of words contribute to the emotional overtones and nuances of the language. Even terms like 'cow' can evoke distinct images and feelings such as farm life or the countryside, despite its direct denotation of a four-legged animal.
It is crucial to understand that connotations can evolve and change over time. Therefore, when writing or analyzing texts, considering both connotative and denotative meanings ensures effective and appropriate communication based on the intended audience and context.