What does "denotation" mean?
The act of denoting, or something (such as a symbol) that denotes
Denotation
/ˌdiː.noʊˈteɪ.ʃən/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of denoting, or something (such as a symbol) that denotes
- Grammar: denotation is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: extension, bearing, characterization, coloring.
- Useful contrasts: connotative meaning, indirect meaning, connotation.
- Usage evidence: Through both denotation and connotation, many Turkish names are weighty with symbolism. Before the Second World War, the European system of name-giving was adopted, and the people of Turkey chose new surnames for themselves from a list of names which had been created on the basis of etymology and semantics.
How to use "denotation"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "denotation" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "denotation" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "denotation" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "denotation" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of denoting, or something (such as a symbol) that denotes countable, uncountable
- 2 the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression; the class of objects that an expression refers to wordnet
- 3 The primary, surface, literal, or explicit meaning of a signifier such as a word, phrase, or symbol; that which a word denotes, as contrasted with its connotation; the aggregate or set of objects of which a word may be predicated. countable, uncountable
"The denotations of the two expressions "the morning star" and "the evening star" are the same (i.e. both expressions denote the planet Venus), but their connotations are different."
- 4 the act of indicating or pointing out by name wordnet
- 5 The intension and extension of a word countable, uncountable
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 Something signified or referred to; a particular meaning of a symbol countable, uncountable
- 7 Any mathematical object which describes the meanings of expressions from the languages, formalized in the theory of denotational semantics countable, uncountable
- 8 A first level of analysis: what the audience can visually see on a page. Denotation often refers to something literal, and avoids being a metaphor. countable, uncountable
Antonyms
Example
"Through both denotation and connotation, many Turkish names are weighty with symbolism. Before the Second World War, the European system of name-giving was adopted, and the people of Turkey chose new surnames for themselves from a list of names which had been created on the basis of etymology and semantics."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "denotation"?
Common synonyms include: extension, bearing, characterization, coloring, connotation, consequence.
How do you use "denotation" in a sentence?
Through both denotation and connotation, many Turkish names are weighty with symbolism. Before the Second World War, the European system of name-giving was adopted, and the people of Turkey chose new surnames for themselves from a list of names which had been created on the basis of etymology and semantics.
How do you pronounce "denotation"?
Pronounced /ˌdiː.noʊˈteɪ.ʃən/.
Etymology
From Late Latin dēnotātiō, from Latin dēnotāre (“to denote, mark out”) + -tiō (suffix forming nouns of action), from dē- (“completely”) + notāre (“to mark”); equivalent to denote + -ation.