Which aspect of language relates to the meaning derived from word associations?

The aspect of language that relates to the meaning derived from word associations is connotation. Connotation refers to the additional meanings, emotions, or associations that a word carries beyond its literal definition. For example, the word "home" might evoke feelings of warmth and safety for one person, while for another, it might bring to mind feelings of confinement or obligation. This emotional and associative layer of meaning is critical in understanding the nuances of language, as it affects how words can shape perceptions and reactions in communication.

In contrast, literal meaning pertains to the explicit, dictionary definition of a word without any underlying implications. Context involves the surrounding text or situation that can influence how a word or phrase is understood, but it doesn't specifically refer to the associations tied to a word itself. Syntax concerns the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences and does not deal with meaning derived from associations. Thus, connotation is the correct answer, as it directly addresses the influence of word associations on understanding meaning.