Question

A(n) _____ meaning refers to the literal definition of a word. associated connotative denotative figurative

Answer 1

The answer to the blank is: denotative.

Denotative meaning is the direct and literal meaning of a word, just as you would find it, for example, on a dictionary. Denotation is usually confused with connotation, but the latter differs in its meaning in as much as this one refers to the sense of the word as it is comprehended temporally, historically, culturally, and even personally (by means of subjective associations).  

Answer 2

Denotative. Connotative is more like the "feeling" that goes with typical use of the word, like whether it's typically a good or a bad thing.