Denotation

/ˌdiː.noʊˈteɪ.ʃən/ · noun

Meaning

The act of denoting, or something (such as a symbol) that denotes.

Definitions by Sense

1. The act of denoting, or something (such as a symbol) that denotes
2. (logic, linguistics, semiotics) 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.
3. (philosophy, logic) The intension and extension of a word
4. (semantics) Something signified or referred to; a particular meaning of a symbol
5. (computer science) Any mathematical object which describes the meanings of expressions from the languages, formalized in the theory of denotational semantics
6. (media studies) 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.

Example Sentences

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.

Regarding denotation, the terms were generally used to refer to a wide range of language contact varieties and features.

Synonyms for denotation

Antonyms for denotation

Related Words

Word Forms

• denotations

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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