What does the denotative meaning of a word most closely refer to?

The denotative meaning of a word refers to its literal or primary meaning, essentially what you would find in a dictionary. This definition is objective and focuses on the explicit definition of the term without any emotional or associative connotations that may come with it. Understanding the denotative meaning is crucial in public speaking, as it ensures that the speaker conveys clear and precise information.

In contrast, synonyms relate to words with similar meanings, while antonyms refer to words with opposite meanings. Emotional associations involve the feelings or sentiments that a word may evoke, which are more subjective and can vary among different audiences. By focusing on the denotative meaning, speakers can effectively communicate their message without ambiguity.