Meaning & use
denotation
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Meanings
nouncountabletechnical
The basic, literal meaning of a word, apart from the feelings or associations it may bring up.
Grammar: Often contrasted with connotation: denotation and connotation.
Patterns
- the denotation of a word
- denotation versus connotation
The denotation of snake is a legless reptile.
A dictionary lists the denotation of each word.
The denotation is neutral, but the connotation can be negative.
nouncountabletechnical
The thing or set of things a word or expression refers to in the world.
Grammar: Used in logic and linguistics: the denotation of a term.
Patterns
- the denotation of an expression
In logic, the denotation of a name is the person it picks out.
The denotation of the term planet changed in 2006.
Linguists study the denotation of common nouns.
Word forms
| plural | denotations |
|---|
Common combinations
- literal denotation
- The literal denotation of home is a place where you live.
- denotation and connotation
- Poets exploit both denotation and connotation.
- the denotation of a word
- Check the denotation of a word before using it.
- dictionary denotation
- The dictionary denotation is only part of the story.
Synonyms and how they differ
- literal meaning
- Literal meaning is the plain phrase, while denotation is the technical term used in linguistics.
- definition
- Definition is the statement of a meaning, while denotation is the meaning itself.
- reference
- Reference points to the thing a word picks out, which is narrower than denotation.
Opposites
Word family
- denote verb
- to mean or refer to
- denotative adjective
- relating to literal meaning
- connotation noun
- implied or associated meaning
- denotative meaning noun
- the literal meaning
Commonly confused: denotation or connotation? denotation or donation?
denotation vs connotation
Connotation is the feeling or idea a word suggests, while denotation is its literal meaning.
denotation vs donation
Donation is a gift, and it looks similar but is unrelated.
Practice
The word home has a warm ____, although its dictionary ____ is simply a place where one lives.
Choose one answer.
The warm feeling is the connotation, and the plain dictionary meaning is the denotation.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “denotation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.