Which term describes the emotional reaction that a word may invoke?

The term that describes the emotional reaction that a word may invoke is connotative meaning. This refers to the associations, feelings, or additional meanings that a word carries beyond its literal definition. For example, the word "home" evokes feelings of warmth, safety, and comfort for many people, which are aspects of its connotative meaning.

Connotative meaning is important in literature and communication because it influences how messages are received and interpreted. While denotative meaning refers strictly to the explicit meaning of a word, connotative meaning encompasses the broader emotional and cultural implications, making it crucial for understanding the deeper meanings in language.