What term refers to the implications of a word or phrase, rather than its exact meaning?

The term that refers to the implications of a word or phrase, beyond its literal definition, is connotation. Connotation encompasses the emotional and associative meanings that are linked to a word, which can vary based on cultural context, personal experiences, and societal norms. For instance, the word "home" evokes feelings of warmth, safety, and comfort, which go beyond its straightforward definition as a physical place where one lives.

In contrast, denotation describes the precise, literal meaning of a word, without any emotions or associations attached. Diction pertains to the choice of words and their style of expression in writing or speech, focusing on how those choices affect the tone and clarity of communication. Genre refers to the category or type of literature or art, based on stylistic or thematic characteristics, rather than the meanings of individual words. Thus, connotation specifically addresses the broader emotional and cultural implications tied to language, making it the correct choice for this question.