Meaning & use
denotative
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Relating to the literal, dictionary meaning of a word, as opposed to its emotional or cultural associations.
See it in a sentence
The denotative meaning of 'home' is simply 'a place where someone lives.'
Legal writing favors denotative language to avoid ambiguity.
A note on using this word
Usually paired with and contrasted against 'connotative,' which refers to a word's implied or associated meanings.
Words with a similar meaning
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