denotation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word denotation is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the literal or primary meaning of a word, idea, or symbol. For example: "The denotation of the word 'teacher' is someone who imparts knowledge or skill."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We thus combine "identity of denotation" or "denotational oneness" with "diversity of intension".

SEP

Frege, therefore, would analyze this attitude report as follows: 'believes that' denotes a function that maps the denotation of the sentence 'Mark Twain wrote Huckleberry Finn' to a concept.

SEP

Hence possession is the converse of denotation.

SEP

We define satisfaction in terms of denotation.

SEP

A further question, from an empirical standpoint, is whether we could test for Goodmanian denotation as might characterize, among architectural objects, successful symbolic functioning across persons.

SEP

The first mode is a standard sort of denotation; the latter two aren't clearly denotation at all, except in Goodman's broad symbolic functioning sense.

SEP

According to the third requirement, definiens and definiendum must be co-extensive, but only a single definiens provides the specific denotation of the definiendum.

SEP

The rigid syntax-semantics mapping thus forces one to assign these expressions a higher-order type in the syntax, for example s/(np\s), so as to obtain a semantic type with the right kind of denotation as the translation image, (e → t) → t.

SEP

If your visual experience presents you with only one of these insects (say, because the others are too small to be visible), then that insect is the denotation of your use of the description 'the insect on that branch'.

SEP

While Jones holds that S is P asserts an "identity of denotation" in "diversity of intension", S is not P asserts "difference of denotation" in "intensional diversity".

SEP

Now the meaning-in-isolation theorist might suggest that our original sentence, 'Scott is the author of Waverley', means that Scott is the denotation of M*.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, pair it with its counterpart, "connotation", to provide a comprehensive analysis of linguistic meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "denotation" to describe the 'feeling' or 'vibe' of a word. These subjective elements are actually the word's "connotation". Use "denotation" only for the objective dictionary definition.

Linguistic Context

As a noun, "denotation" refers to the literal or primary meaning of a signifier. According to Ludwig, it functions as a technical term in linguistics and logic to isolate the direct relationship between a symbol and the object it denotes, often contrasted with sense or intension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

65%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

News & Media

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "denotation" is a cornerstone of formal linguistics and philosophical discourse. According to Ludwig AI, it is overwhelmingly used in high-authority academic contexts to specify the literal or primary meaning of words and symbols. Unlike its counterpart, connotation, "denotation" focuses exclusively on objective reference. The data suggests that while it is a very common term in scientific and encyclopedic writing, it requires a formal register to be used effectively. When you aim for technical accuracy and wish to avoid the emotional 'baggage' of language, "denotation" is the precise tool for the job.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

literal meaning

A more common and less academic way to refer to the direct definition of a word.

explicit meaning

Focuses on what is clearly and directly stated without ambiguity or hidden nuance.

dictionary definition

Refers specifically to the codified meaning found in a formal lexicon.

extension

A technical term in logic referring to the set of objects that a concept covers.

reference

Points to the specific relationship between a word and the object it identifies.

primary sense

Indicates the main or most frequently used definition of a term.

signification

A semiotic term that encompasses the entire process of meaning-making.

designation

Emphasizes the act of pointing out or naming a specific entity.

lexical meaning

Relates specifically to the definition of a word as it exists within the language system.

semantic content

Refers to the objective information or truth-conditions conveyed by an expression.

FAQs

What is the difference between "denotation" and connotation?

While "denotation" refers to the literal and explicit definition of a word, "connotation" refers to the emotional, cultural or secondary meanings that the word suggests.

How do I use "denotation" in a sentence?

You can use it to clarify meaning, such as: "While the "denotation" of the word 'home' is a place where one lives, its "connotation" implies comfort and safety."

What is a synonym for "denotation"?

Depending on the context, you can use "literal meaning", "explicit meaning" or "dictionary definition" as alternatives.

Is "denotation" a formal word?

Yes, it is primarily used in formal, academic and scientific contexts. In everyday speech, people usually prefer the term "literal meaning".