denotation

IPA/ˌdiːnəʊˈteɪʃn/
IPA/ˌdiːnəʊˈteɪʃn/

denotation — noun

  • denotationsingular
  • denotationsplural

1. the direct, basic meaning that a word or phrase has, apart from any extra feelin

1.nounC1
Definition

the direct, basic meaning that a word or phrase has, apart from any extra feelings or associations it may bring to mind

Example

In class, Hiro said the denotation of "snake" is simply a long reptile.

the denotation of + word

Ada looked up the denotation of "frugal" before reading the novel.

look up the denotation of a word

Common collocations
  • literal denotation
  • basic denotation
  • the denotation of a word
  • exact denotation
Synonyms
  • literal meaning

    the closest everyday phrase for a word's direct sense

  • dictionary meaning

    stresses the meaning you would expect to find in a dictionary entry

  • definition

    broader; can include an explanation, not only the core semantic value

Antonyms
  • connotation

    the emotional or cultural associations that go beyond the direct meaning

Grammar Patterns

the denotation of a word

literal denotation

Usage Note

Often discussed alongside connotation. This sense names the core dictionary meaning, while sense 2 is about the thing or idea a word points to in formal analysis.

Common Mistakes

The denotation of "home" is warmth and safety.
The connotation of "home" is warmth and safety.
denotation is the direct meaning, while connotation covers emotional associations.

2. the relation in which a word or phrase points to a particular thing or idea, or

2.nounC2
Definition

the relation in which a word or phrase points to a particular thing or idea, or the thing it points to in technical discussion

Example

In Mina's report, the denotation of "the capital" was Seoul, not Tokyo.

the denotation of + phrase is a specific referent

In the map key, the denotation of the blue line is the river itself.

symbol or phrase points to an actual object

Common collocations
  • fix the denotation
  • the denotation of a phrase
  • formal denotation
  • denotation relation
Synonyms
  • reference

    the broadest term for the act or relation of pointing to something

  • designation

    formal and often used when a word is used as a label for something

  • referent

    names the object itself rather than the relation

Grammar Patterns

the denotation of a phrase is something

denotation between words and things

Usage Note

Common in semantics, logic, and legal analysis. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense focuses on reference to a thing or idea, not the core dictionary meaning alone.

Common Mistakes

In this report, the denotation of "the capital" is important.
In this report, the denotation of "the capital" is Taipei.
this sense identifies what a phrase points to, not a quality linked with it.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

"Denotation" is the direct, literal meaning of a word or phrase. "Connotation" is the emotional or cultural colouring that comes with it, so "home" can denote a place to live while also connoting comfort or safety. "Meaning" is the broad everyday word and can cover either idea, which makes it less exact in language study. "Reference" usually shifts the focus away from meaning and toward the thing a word points to, which is closer to sense 2 of "denotation". If a teacher asks for the denotation of "fox," answer with the animal itself; if the teacher asks about connotation, you might mention cleverness.

denotation ↗connotation ↗meaning ↗reference ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • the denotation of
  • literal denotation

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinMedieval LatinEnglish

This word comes from Medieval Latin forms built on the verb "denote," which meant "mark out" or "indicate clearly." In English, it developed into a technical term for a word's direct meaning and, in more formal study, for the way a word points to a particular thing or idea.