The primary, literal or explicit meaning of a word, phrase or symbol; that which a word denotes, as contrasted with its connotation; the aggregate or set of objects of which a word may be predicated
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.
Any mathematical object which describes the meanings of expressions from the languages, formalized in the theory of denotational semantics
The observable (verifiable), real-world content of a message A term borrowed from the early 20th-Century school of "General Semantics" (see Steven Lewis's General Semantics site) Compare connotation Compare also intent
Profit from capital -- in contrast to compensation for labor An economic system based on prioritizing profit and prioritizing capital
The minimal, strict definition found in a dictionary, disregarding any historical or emotional connotation Contrast with connotation, above
To signify or stand as a name for The explicit meaning of a word (example: Policeman means Officer of the Law If you referred to the Policeman as a Cop, it still Denotes the same literal meaning, but the word "cop" has a different Connotation) See also Connotation
The denotation of a word is its primary significance or reference, such as a dictionary mainly specifies
the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression; the class of objects that an expression refers to; "the extension of `satellite of Mars' is the set containing only Demos and Phobos"
Basic objective ("dictionary") meaning of word in the lexicon Compare with connotation
The literal dictionary meaning(s) of a word as distinct from an associated idea or connotation Sidelight: Many words have more than one denotation, such as the multiple meanings of fair or spring In ordinary language, we strive for a single precise meaning of words to avoid ambiguity, but poets often take advantage of words with more than one meaning to suggest more than one idea with the same word A pun also utilizes multiple meanings as a play on words
To mark out plainly; to signify by a visible sign; to serve as the sign or name of; to indicate; to point out; as, the hands of the clock denote the hour
If one thing denotes another, it is a sign or indication of it. Red eyes denote strain and fatigue There was a message waiting, denoting that someone had been here ahead of her. = indicate