Denotation: meaning, definitions and examples
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denotation
[ ˌdɛnəˈteɪʃən ]
language study
Denotation refers to the literal, dictionary definition of a word—the explicit meaning without any emotional association or additional connotation. It is the objective meaning that a word conveys, as opposed to what it suggests or implies in different contexts.
Synonyms
definition, explicit meaning, literal meaning.
Examples of usage
- The denotation of 'dog' is a domesticated carnivorous mammal.
- In poetry, the denotation of a word can be overshadowed by its connotation.
- Understanding the denotation of terms is crucial in legal contexts.
- Words often have multiple denotations, depending on their use.
Translations
Translations of the word "denotation" in other languages:
🇵🇹 denotação
🇮🇳 संकेत
🇩🇪 Bezeichnung
🇮🇩 denotasi
🇺🇦 денотація
🇵🇱 denotacja
🇯🇵 指示
🇫🇷 dénotation
🇪🇸 denotación
🇹🇷 denotasyon
🇰🇷 지시
🇸🇦 دلالة
🇨🇿 denotace
🇸🇰 denotácia
🇨🇳 指称
🇸🇮 denotacija
🇮🇸 tilvísun
🇰🇿 денация
🇬🇪 დენოტაცია
🇦🇿 denotasiya
🇲🇽 denotación
Etymology
The term 'denotation' originates from the Latin word 'denotare', which means 'to mark out, indicate'. This Latin verb is a combination of 'de-' meaning 'down, away' and 'notare' meaning 'to mark'. The concept of denotation has evolved through the study of linguistics, where it started to gain formal significance in the late 19th century. The differentiation between denotation and connotation was notably advanced by philosophers and linguists such as Ferdinand de Saussure. Denotation has been fundamental in analyzing the meanings of words and how they are applied in various contexts, providing clarity in communication and understanding.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #27,836, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 27833 reconsidering
- 27834 superficiality
- 27835 airwaves
- 27836 denotation
- 27837 devalue
- 27838 acclimatization
- 27839 knocker
- ...