Meaning & use
denotation
The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, as opposed to the feelings or ideas it suggests beyond that meaning.
See it in a sentence
The denotation of home is simply a dwelling, though the word carries much warmer connotations.
Students learned to separate a word's denotation from its emotional connotation in poetry class.
A note on using this word
Denotation contrasts directly with connotation, the associated feelings or implied meanings a word carries beyond its literal definition.
Words with a similar meaning
literal meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Make it your own
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