What refers to the ideas or tone associated with a word?

The correct choice identifies connotation as the term that encompasses the ideas, emotions, and associations that a word evokes beyond its literal definition. Words often carry additional meanings shaped by cultural context, personal experiences, and social connotations. For instance, the word "home" might suggest warmth, comfort, and safety to many, while another person may associate it with confinement or hardship, reflecting the word's nuanced implications.

Other terms like definition refer strictly to the literal meaning of a word, interpretation involves how a reader or listener derives meaning from a text, and implication suggests a conclusion that can be drawn from something, though it may not be explicitly stated. While each of these options is relevant to the study of language, connotation specifically addresses the broader emotional and associative qualities tied to words, making it the most accurate choice.