Denotation
(noun)
- The primary or most direct meaning of a word or expression, as opposed to its connotations or emotional associations.
- The specific or direct reference of a symbol, term or name to an object or concept.
Origin:
Derived from the latin word 'denotare' meaning 'to mark or indicate.'.
Examples:
- The denotation of the word 'book' refers to a physical object used for reading or studying.
- The denotation of the word 'apple' is a round fruit with a red, green, or yellow skin.
- In linguistic terms, denotation refers to the objective, factual meaning of a word.
- The denotation of mathematical symbols must be precise and unambiguous to ensure accurate computation.
- The denotation of a word can change over time as the object or concept it refers to changes.