Question

which phrase best defines the denotative meaning of a word? the feelings and associations the word evokes the literal meaning of the word the authors attitude toward the word the way a word contributes to a texts tone

Explanation:

Denotative meaning refers to the direct, literal definition of a word, as found in a dictionary. The other options describe connotative meaning (feelings/associations), author's attitude, or a word's contribution to tone, which are not denotative.

Answer:

the literal meaning of the word