* Denotation: The literal, dictionary definition of a word.
* Connotation: The implied or suggested meaning of a word, often based on emotions, associations, or cultural understanding.
Figurative language relies on the *connotative* meaning of words to create imagery, evoke emotions, and add layers of meaning. For example:
* "The sun is a golden ball" (denotation - the sun is a star, connotation - associations of warmth, happiness, and beauty).
* "The house was a prison" (denotation - a house, connotation - feelings of confinement and restriction).
While some figurative language might use ambiguous words, the core of effective figurative language is the use of both denotation and connotation to create a richer meaning than the literal definition alone.