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verb C2 Proficient Uncommon

denote

dih-NOHT

Denote (verb) means to be a sign or indication of something. Example: “A red flag on the beach denotes dangerous swimming conditions.”

verb
1
To be a sign or indication of something.
"A red flag on the beach denotes dangerous swimming conditions."
"A high fever can denote a serious infection."
2
To mean or represent something literally, as a word or symbol does.
"In this context, the term denotes a specific legal category."

How to use denote

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo indicate or stand for something.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with connote, which refers to an implied or associated meaning rather than the literal one.

Easily confused with

Word forms

denoted past tense, denotes singular

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Test yourself on “denote” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A red flag on the beach _____ dangerous swimming conditions.

Etymology

From Latin denotare, from de- ("thoroughly") plus notare ("to mark").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for denote

See all rhymes for denote →

Frequently asked questions

What does “denote” mean?

The word “denote” means to be a sign or indication of something. In plain terms, to indicate or stand for something.

How do you pronounce “denote”?

“Denote” is pronounced dih-NOHT (/dɪˈnoʊt/ in IPA).

How do you use “denote” in a sentence?

Here is “denote” used in a sentence: “A red flag on the beach denotes dangerous swimming conditions.”

What part of speech is “denote”?

“Denote” is a verb.

Where does the word “denote” come from?

The word “denote” comes from Latin. From Latin denotare, from de- ("thoroughly") plus notare ("to mark").

Is “denote” a common word?

“Denote” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

How many meanings does “denote” have?

“Denote” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to be a sign or indication of something.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial