Final answer:
Connotation is the emotional and cultural associations a word carries, beyond its dictionary definition. It can greatly affect the tone and meaning conveyed in language, and it can vary depending on context and audience background.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term connotation refers to the emotional and cultural associations a word conveys beyond its literal meaning, or denotation. As the context or cultural background changes, so may the connotation of words. For example, the word 'home' denotes a place where someone lives, but its connotation can suggest feelings of warmth, safety, and belonging. Different contexts and audiences might change the connotative meaning, influencing how a word should be used in academic writing or casual conversation.
It is important to consider both denotative and connotative meanings when choosing words, especially if the goal is to convey a specific tone or emotion. For instance, 'dude' may carry a casual and friendly connotation in informal chats but might be perceived as unprofessional or too informal in academic essays.