Which statement best describes connotation in diction?

• A. Consider emotional associations of words beyond literal meaning.
• B. They have no effect on tone.
• C. Diction is only about spelling.
• D. Literal meaning is all that matters.

Answer: (A)

Connotation in diction is about the emotions, associations, and ideas words carry beyond their dictionary definitions. Those subtle shades of meaning shape tone and how the reader feels about the subject. For example, “home” suggests warmth and safety, while “house” is just a building; “frugal” has a positive nuance, whereas “stingy” feels negative. Because of these nuances, word choice isn’t just about literal meaning or spelling—it’s about the feelings and attitudes the words evoke.