Final answer:
Denotation refers to the explicit, dictionary definition of a word, while connotation encompasses the emotions and cultural associations that go beyond the literal meaning. Nonverbal symbols can also have denotative and connotative meanings, which may vary across different cultural contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing denotation vs. connotation, we are looking at two distinct aspects of word meanings. The denotation of a word is its direct, explicit meaning - essentially, its dictionary definition. For example, the word 'house' denotes a building for human habitation. On the other hand, connotation refers to the emotional or cultural associations that accompany a word beyond its literal meaning. For instance, while 'house' might denote any building one lives in, 'home' has a connotation of warmth, security, and family.
Nonverbal symbols also carry denotative and connotative meanings, which can vary significantly across cultures. A smile typically denotes happiness, but its connotations can vary; it might suggest friendliness, sarcasm, or even awkwardness, depending on the context. Similarly, a gesture like a thumbs-up has a positive denotation in some cultures but can have a very offensive connotation in others, like Russia and Australia.