Denotation

Quick meaning: Denotation is a noun meaning The act of denoting, or something (such as a symbol) that denotes.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

1. (philosophy, logic) The intension and extension of a word
2. (semantics) Something signified or referred to; a particular meaning of a symbol
3. (computer science) Any mathematical object which describes the meanings of expressions from the languages, formalized in the theory of denotational semantics
4. (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.
5. (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.

Example Sentences

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

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.

Word Forms

• denotations

Synonyms for denotation

Depending on context, synonyms include reference, extension.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include reference, extension, denotement, denomination, description, designation.

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