What does connotative meaning refer to?

Connotative meaning refers to the figurative meaning associated with a word, which encompasses the emotions, associations, and implications that a word invokes beyond its literal definition. This aspect of language is crucial as it allows for richer communication, enabling words to carry deeper significance and emotional weight. For instance, the word "home" connotes warmth, family, and safety, in addition to its basic definition as a place of residence. Understanding connotative meaning is essential for effective communication, as it helps to convey more than just the factual content of a message, tapping into shared feelings and cultural understandings. The other options focus on literal definitions, sounds, or specific comparisons, which do not capture the broader scope of interpretation that connotative meaning provides.