denotation
[ dee-noh-tey-shuh n ]
/ ˌdi noʊˈteɪ ʃən /
noun
the explicit or direct meaning or set of meanings of a word or expression, as distinguished from the ideas or meanings associated with it or suggested by it; the association or set of associations that a word usually elicits for most speakers of a language, as distinguished from those elicited for any individual speaker because of personal experience.
a word that names or signifies something specific: “Wind” is the denotation for air in natural motion. “Poodle” is the denotation for a certain breed of dog.
the act or fact of denoting; indication.
something that denotes; mark; symbol.
Logic.
- the class of particulars to which a term is applicable.
- that which is represented by a sign.
Compare
connotation.
Words nearby denotation
denomination,
denominational,
denominationalism,
denominative,
denominator,
denotation,
denotative,
denote,
denotive,
denouement,
denounce
Example sentences from the Web for denotation
British Dictionary definitions for denotation
denotation
/ (ˌdiːnəʊˈteɪʃən) /
noun
the act or process of denoting; indication
a particular meaning, esp one given explicitly rather than by suggestion
- something designated or referred toCompare referent, connotation
- another name for extension (def. 11)
Cultural definitions for denotation
denotation
[ (dee-noh-tay-shuhn) ]
The basic dictionary meaning of a word, without its connotations. For example, the denotation of the word modern is “belonging to recent times,” although the word may have different connotations.