Background for denotation

denotation

/ˌdiː.noʊˈteɪ.ʃən/

Illustration denotation - Image 1

noun

The act of denoting, or something (such as a symbol) that denotes

Examples :

"The denotation of the word "home" is a place where one lives. "

language linguistics communication sign word

Illustration denotation - Image 1

noun

The primary, surface, literal, or explicit meaning of a signifier such as 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.

Examples :

"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."

language linguistics word writing communication philosophy literature

Illustration denotation - Image 1

noun

The intension and extension of a word

Examples :

"The denotation of the word "dog" includes both its dictionary definition (a domesticated mammal) and the set of all actual dogs in the world. "

language linguistics philosophy word

Illustration denotation - Image 1

noun

Something signified or referred to; a particular meaning of a symbol

Examples :

"The denotation of the word "blue" is the color we associate with the sky and ocean. "

language linguistics philosophy communication writing word sign

Illustration denotation - Image 1

noun

Any mathematical object which describes the meanings of expressions from the languages, formalized in the theory of denotational semantics

Examples :

"In denotational semantics, the denotation of the mathematical expression "2 + 2" is the number 4, representing its calculated value. "

theory math logic language computing

Illustration denotation - Image 1

noun

(media studies) A first level of analysis: what the audience can visually see on a page. Denotation often refers to something literal, and avoids being a metaphor.

Examples :

"The denotation of the photograph is a young woman smiling and holding a book. "

media language writing communication literature