What is the primary characteristic of denotative meanings?

The primary characteristic of denotative meanings is that they refer to dictionary definitions. Denotative meanings are the explicit, literal meanings of words—the definitions you would find if you looked up the word in a dictionary. This contrasts with connotative meanings, which encompass the emotional, cultural, or associative implications that words may carry beyond their literal definitions. By focusing on the dictionary definition, denotative meanings provide a clear and objective understanding of language, which is essential for effective communication, especially in academic settings.