Denotation vs Connotation

Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word. When an author uses a word for its denotative definition, he/she is using the literal definition to which most readers are likely to connect. For quick access to denotative definitions, use the following links: Dictionary.com, Merriam-Webster

Consider the following words.

home
house
dwelling
residence

While all of these words are different, they share a common denotative definition. What might that definition be?



Connotation is the definition of a word based on both the denotative definition as well as other associations that word has. This definition can vary from culture to culture and even from person to person.

Consider the following words again.

home
house
dwelling
residence

What is the connotative definition of each word? How does the connotative definition of each word help to distinguish it from the others?