Which term refers to what a word suggests beyond its literal definition?

The term that refers to what a word suggests beyond its literal definition is connotation. Connotation encompasses the emotional, cultural, or associated meanings that a word carries in addition to its straightforward or dictionary definition (denotation). For example, the word "home" denotes a place where one lives, but its connotations might include warmth, safety, family, and comfort. This aspect of language plays a significant role in literature, as authors often choose words not only for their literal meaning but also for the feelings and ideas they evoke in readers.

The other options are distinct: denotation is strictly the literal meaning of a word, implication refers to something that is suggested or inferred indirectly, and context involves the circumstances or background that influence the interpretation of a word or phrase. While all these concepts relate to language, connotation specifically captures the nuanced and often subjective associations that words can have.