What is the dictionary meaning, or denotation, of the word "crusty"? A. Coated shell B. Clownish C. Hard exterior D. Soft underside
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C. Hard exterior
The dictionary meaning, or denotation, of the word "crusty" is having a hard outer surface or covering. It is often used to describe the hard, outer surface of bread that has been baked, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe a person who is perceived as being gruff or irascible on the outside, possibly hiding a softer nature underneath.
The word "denotation" refers to the literal, dictionary definition of a word, as opposed to "connotation," which deals with the emotional or cultural associations that a word might carry. When exploring the meaning of a word, it's important to understand both its denotation and connotation to fully grasp how it can be interpreted in different contexts. With the word "crusty," its denotation clearly specifies the physical characteristic of a hard surface, while its possible connotations might include descriptions of a person's rough character or demeanor, suggesting that there is more to the term than just its literal meaning. Other options provided, such as "coated shell," "clownish," or "soft underside," could potentially relate to figurative uses of the word, but they do not represent the primary dictionary definition.