In linguistic terms, language is considered to be both:

Language is recognized in linguistic terms as both connotative and denotative, reflecting the dual nature of meaning that words and phrases can convey. The denotative aspect refers to the explicit, literal meaning of a word—the specific definition that can be found in a dictionary. In contrast, the connotative meaning encompasses the additional emotional, cultural, or associative implications that a word carries beyond its literal definition.

This dual-functionality is crucial for effective communication, as speakers and listeners may interpret the same word differently based on contextual cues and personal experiences. Understanding the difference between the two is essential for analyzing how language operates in gendered communication and social interactions, especially how certain words may have different implications depending on the context in which they are used.

The other options, while they touch upon aspects of language, do not encapsulate this fundamental division of meaning as effectively as the relationship between connotation and denotation does.