noun
C2
Proficient
denotation
Denotation (noun) means the act of representing something, or a sign that stands for it.
noun
1
The act of representing something, or a sign that stands for it.
2
The exact, literal meaning of a word or symbol, rather than any feeling or idea it suggests.
"The denotations of the two expressions "the morning star" and "the evening star" are the same (i.e. both expressions denote the planet Venus), but their connotations are different."
"Regarding denotation, the terms were generally used to refer to a wide range of language contact varieties and features."
— James Lambert, A multitude of ‘lishes’: The nomenclature of hybridity (2018)
3
A word's intension and extension together.
4
A specific thing that a sign or symbol stands for.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like denotation.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Etymology
Taken from Late Latin dēnotātiō, from Latin dēnotāre ("to denote, mark out") + -tiō (a suffix forming nouns of action), itself from dē- ("completely") + notāre ("to mark"); equivalent to denote + -ation.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for denotation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for denotation →
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of denotation?
"denotation" (noun) means the act of representing something, or a sign that stands for it.
What is another word for denotation?
Other words for "denotation" include indication, extension, reference.
What is the opposite of denotation?
The opposite of "denotation" is connotation.
What are the different meanings of denotation?
"denotation" has 3 main meanings: 1. The act of representing something, or a sign that stands for it; 2. The exact, literal meaning of a word or symbol, rather than any feeling or idea it suggests; 3. A word's intension and extension together.
