denotation
gb/dˈɛnətˈeɪʃən/ us/dˈɛnətˈeɪʃən/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
technical
C1
abstract
1
literal, exact meaning of a word
the basic dictionary meaning of a word
Usage pattern:
the denotation of [word/phrase]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse denotation (literal meaning) with connotation (the feelings or ideas a word suggests).
Synonyms
literal meaning (Emphasizes the most direct, non-figurative meaning.)
|
dictionary meaning (Highlights the meaning as listed in a dictionary.)
Antonyms
connotation (Refers to associated feelings or implied ideas rather than the literal meaning.)
Collocations
literal denotation
|dictionary denotation
|the denotation of a word
|the denotation of a phrase
|in denotation
|clear denotation
|strict denotation
|denotation and connotation
|denotation versus connotation
|focus on denotation
Themes
language
|education
|writing
Examples
- The denotation of "snake" is a type of reptile, but it often has negative connotations.
- In this poem, the denotation is simple, yet the connotations are complex.
- Students were asked to explain both the denotation and the connotation of the word.
Learner examples
- The denotation of this word is "a home."
- Denotation is the basic meaning.
Noun
technical
C2
relation
2
what a term refers to
the real thing(s) a word talks about
Usage pattern:
the denotation of [term] (in [context])
Common mistake:
Learners may use denotation when they mean definition; in semantics, denotation can mean the actual referent(s), not just the wording of the definition.
Synonyms
reference (Common term for what an expression points to; often broader and less technical.)
|
extension (Technical term emphasizing the set of entities a term applies to.)
Antonyms
intension (In semantics, intension is the concept/conditions for application rather than the actual set of referents.)
Collocations
the denotation of a term
|the denotation of an expression
|the denotation of a name
|the denotation of a predicate
|fix the denotation
|specify the denotation
|context-dependent denotation
|denotation of a symbol
|denotation in semantics
|denotation in logic
Themes
language
|logic
|education
Examples
- In formal semantics, the denotation of "dog" can be treated as the set of all dogs.
- The denotation of "the morning star" and "the evening star" is the same planet, even though the descriptions differ.
- In this model, each symbol is assigned a denotation in the domain.
Learner examples
- The denotation of "Paris" is a real city.
- The denotation can be a set of things.
Noun
formal
C2
process
3
act of indicating or naming
the act of showing what something means
Usage pattern:
denotation of [something] as [something]
Common mistake:
This is a broader, more formal use; in everyday English, people usually mean the literal meaning of a word.
Synonyms
signification (Formal term for the meaning something conveys.)
|
indication (More general; focuses on pointing out rather than linguistic meaning.)
Antonyms
ambiguity (Lack of a clear, definite meaning or reference.)
Collocations
the denotation of X
|precise denotation
|explicit denotation
|simple denotation
|denotation of meaning
Themes
language
|writing
Examples
- The denotation of the color red as a warning is widely recognized in signage.
- In her argument, the denotation of the term was carefully established before any debate began.
- The law relies on precise denotation to avoid ambiguity.
Learner examples
- Clear denotation helps people understand.
- The term needs precise denotation.
Grammar
Dictionary form
denotation
IPA
GB/dˈɛnətˈeɪʃən/
US/dˈɛnətˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
de - nota - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (de)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: denotation
- Plural: denotation, denotations
Word family
Forms
denotations
noun
Core family
denote
verb C1
denotative
adjective
Related words
Advanced or less common
denotational
adjective
denotatively
adverb
Expressions
connotation vs denotation
1/kˌɑnətˈeɪʃən vˈɚsəz dˈɛnətˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
contrast implied and literal meaning
the difference between implied and literal meaning
Examples
- The worksheet on connotation vs denotation helped students choose more precise words.
- In branding, connotation vs denotation can determine whether a slogan works.
- She gave a short talk on connotation vs denotation in persuasive writing.
denotation and connotation
1/dˈɛnətˈeɪʃən ˈænd kˌɑnətˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
literal meaning and associations
a way to talk about a word’s basic meaning and its feelings/associations
Examples
- The lesson focused on denotation and connotation in advertising language.
- When you analyze a poem, consider both denotation and connotation.
- Her word choice had the same denotation but a very different connotation.
denotative meaning
1/dˈɛnətətɪv mˈinɪŋ/
fixed phrase
technical
the literal meaning of a word
the basic, literal meaning
Examples
- The denotative meaning of "child" is a young person.
- In formal writing, choose words with the denotative meaning you intend.
- Even if the denotative meaning is neutral, the connotation may not be.