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denotation

Syllabification: (de·no·ta·tion)
Pronunciation: /ˌdēnōˈtāSHən/
Definition of denotation

noun

  • the literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests:beyond their immediate denotation, the words have a connotative power
  • the action or process of indicating or referring to something by means of a word, symbol, etc..
  • Philosophy the object or concept to which a term refers, or the set of objects of which a predicate is true. Often contrasted with connotation.

Derivatives

denotational

Pronunciation: /-SHənl/
adjective

denotation in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of denotation in the British & World English dictionary
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