Definition

1. Verb:
   • To be a sign or indication of; to mark: "denote" means to serve as a visible or logical sign of something else.
   • To make known; to announce or show clearly: "denote" can mean to explicitly communicate or indicate a fact or feeling.
   • To have as a literal or primary meaning; to mean: In linguistics, "denote" refers to the direct, explicit meaning of a word or symbol.

Usage Examples

• As a sign or indication:
  • A fever often denotes an infection.
  • The dark clouds denote an approaching storm.
• To make known or show:
  • His silence denoted his disapproval.
  • She denoted her agreement with a firm nod.
• To have as a literal meaning:
  • In chemistry, the symbol 'Au' denotes gold.
  • The word 'canine' denotes a dog or related animal.

Advanced Usage

• In logic and semantics: "Denote" is used to describe the relationship between a word, phrase, or symbol and the object or concept it directly refers to.
  • In formal logic, a variable 'x' denotes an unspecified member of a set.
• In formal writing: Often used to introduce a precise definition or the specific meaning of a term.
  • As used in this treaty, 'territory' denotes the land area within the recognized borders.

Variants and Related Words

• Denotation (n): The literal, primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas it suggests.
  • The denotation of "home" is a place where one lives.
• Denotative (adj): Having the function of denoting; indicative.
  • The denotative meaning of a stop sign is the instruction to halt.

Synonyms

• Indicate: To point out or show.
• Signify: To be a sign of; to mean.
• Designate: To indicate or specify.
• Mean: To have as a sense or signification.

Related Phrases

• Denote by: To indicate or represent something by using a specific sign or symbol.
  • In the formula, velocity is denoted by 'v'.
• Denote that: Used to introduce a clause stating what is indicated.
  • The asterisk denotes that additional information is available in the footnote.

Notes on Meaning

• Denote vs. Connote: A critical distinction. "Denote" refers to the explicit, literal meaning, while "connote" refers to the ideas or feelings a word suggests in addition to its literal meaning.
  • The word "snake" denotes a legless reptile. It can connote danger or deceit.

Verb

1. make known; make an announcement
   • She denoted her feelings clearly
2. have as a meaning
   • `multi-' denotes `many'
3. be a sign or indication of
   • Her smile denoted that she agreed