Word
denotation
Meanings
the literal, direct meaning of a word or expression
the thing or concept that a word refers to in the real world
Definition
Denotation is the literal, direct meaning of a word.
Denotation is the basic dictionary meaning of a word, without any extra feelings or associations. It focuses on what something refers to in a direct, factual way. This is different from connotation, which is the emotional or cultural meaning a word suggests.
Examples
- The denotation of "child" is a young person.
- In this poem, the denotation is simple, but the connotation is powerful.
- You should learn the denotation before you analyze the author’s tone.
- The denotation of "home" is a place where someone lives.
- Her essay clearly explained the denotation of the key terms.