Denotation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌdē-nō-ˈtā-shən/ de·no·ta·tion

Meaning & Definition of Denotation

Denotation (noun)

  1. an act or process of denoting
  2. meaning; especially, a direct specific meaning as distinct from an implied or associated idea
  3. a denoting term, name

Denotation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a word or combination of words by which a person or thing is regularly known

    "soul is the common denotation for that mysterious force within the human body that gives it life and yet is separate from it"

    similar: appellation, appellative, cognomen, compellation, denomination, designation, handle, moniker, name, nomenclature, title
    related: baptismal name, Christian name, first name, forename, given name, family name, maiden name, middle name, surname, matronymic, patronymic, byname, diminutive, epithet, hypocorism, nickname, sobriquet, banner, rubric, tag, alias, cryptonym, nom de guerre, nom de plume, pen name, pseudonym, binomial, monomial, trivial name, vernacular, misnomer, brand name, label, trademark, trade name

  2. the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action

    "although most people exercise for fitness, the denotation of the term fitness varies from exerciser to exerciser"

    similar: content, drift, import, intent, intention, meaning, purport, sense, significance, signification
    related: connotation, clue, cue, hint, implication, indication, inkling, intimation, suggestion, message, tenor, theme, bottom, essence, essentiality, nature, soul, spirit, stuff, acceptance, acceptation, definition, burden, crux, gist, core, heart, kernel, marrow, nub, nucleus, pith, point, quick, matter, motif, motive, question, subject, topic

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Denotation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Denotation:

appellation, appellative, cognomen, compellation, denomination, designation, handle, moniker, name, nomenclature, title, content, drift, import, intent, intention, meaning, purport, sense, significance, signification

Related Words for Denotation

baptismal name, Christian name, first name, forename, given name, family name, maiden name, middle name, surname, matronymic, patronymic, byname, diminutive, epithet, hypocorism, nickname, sobriquet, banner, rubric, tag, alias, cryptonym, nom de guerre, nom de plume, pen name, pseudonym, binomial, monomial, trivial name, vernacular

Origin & Etymology of Denotation

First known use: circa 1532

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Denotation

Frequently Asked Questions about Denotation

What does "Denotation" mean?

"Denotation" means an act or process of denoting. As a noun, it is defined as: an act or process of denoting. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Denotation"?

Other words for "Denotation" include appellation, appellative, cognomen, compellation, denomination, designation, handle and moniker. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Denotation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Denotation"?

There are 96 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Denotation". Common alternatives include appellation, appellative, cognomen, compellation, denomination, designation, handle, moniker, name and nomenclature.

How do you use "Denotation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Denotation" in a sentence: "soul is the common denotation for that mysterious force within the human body that gives it life and yet is separate from it"; "although most people exercise for fitness, the denotation of the term fitness varies from exerciser to exerciser".

Is "Denotation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Denotation" is a noun.

Is "Denotation" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Denotation" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Denotation"?

"Denotation" is pronounced /ˌdē-nō-ˈtā-shən/ and divided into syllables as de·no·ta·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Denotation"?

First known use: circa 1532.