denotation
denotation Lexical Profile
denotation Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The literal, primary, or explicit meaning of a word or expression, as distinct from the feelings, ideas, or cultural associations that it suggests.
"While the words "house" and "home" share a similar denotation, their emotional associations differ significantly."
In logic, semantics, and philosophy, the object or class of objects to which a linguistic expression or concept applies; extension or reference.
"In formal semantics, the denotation of a predicate is the set of all entities that satisfy that predicate."
The action of indicating or designating something by a name, symbol, or mark, or a symbol that serves to indicate something.
"The map uses a small red triangle as the denotation for mountain peaks above three thousand meters."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Denotation" is frequently contrasted with "connotation"; while denotation refers to the objective, literal dictionary definition of a word, connotation refers to the emotional, cultural, or implied associations it carries.
• Rhymes for denotation
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 16th century from Late Latin denotationem (nominative denotatio), a noun of action from the verb denotare, meaning "to mark out" or "point out," formed from de- ("completely") and notare ("to mark").