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Definition of denote

denote

/dɪˈnoʊt/
de · note
Adverb:denotatively
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Adjective:denotative
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Past Simple:denoted
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Past Participle:denoted
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Present Participle:denoting
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denote Lexical Profile

denote Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To be a sign of; to indicate or point out.

Example

"A high fever often denotes the presence of an underlying infection."

2

To stand as a name, symbol, or literal expression for; to mean explicitly.

Example

"In algebra, the letter x is commonly used to denote an unknown quantity."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for denote
Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

"Denote" refers to the literal, explicit, or primary meaning of a word or symbol, whereas "connote" refers to the secondary, emotional, or cultural associations it suggests beyond its literal definition.

• Rhymes for denote

• Nearby Words

denominational
denominator
denotation
denote
denounce
denouncement
denouncer

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Middle French dénoter, from Latin denotare ("to mark out, point out, or specify"), formed from de- ("thoroughly") and notare ("to mark or note"), from nota ("a mark or sign").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Denote. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/denote
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