DENOTATION Meaning and
Definition
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Denotation refers to the literal or primary meaning of a word or phrase. It is the objective representation of a concept, typically based on widely accepted definitions found in dictionaries or other reference sources. Denotation focuses on the explicit and universally recognized meaning of a word, devoid of any personal interpretations or connotations that may be associated with it.
The denotative meaning of a word is generally agreed upon by speakers of a language and helps to establish common understanding and effective communication. It allows individuals to convey ideas accurately, as it is the direct, dictionary-defined sense of a word. For example, the denotation of the word "cat" would be a small domesticated carnivorous mammal.
Furthermore, denotation frequently distinguishes between similar words that may have different meanings. It aids in differentiating words that only vary slightly, ensuring precision and clarity in communication. Denotative meanings can also be contrasted with connotative meanings, which involve subjective or emotional associations that arise due to cultural, personal, or individual experiences.
Overall, denotation serves as a foundational element of language, providing a standardized understanding and enabling effective communication. Its significance lies in its ability to establish a shared understanding among discourse participants, facilitating clear and unambiguous communication based on universally accepted definitions.
Top Common Misspellings for DENOTATION *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DENOTATION
Etymology of DENOTATION
The word "denotation" is derived from the Latin word "denotare", which can be further broken down into two parts: "de-", meaning "down" or "off", and "notare", meaning "to mark" or "to note". Therefore, "denotare" originally meant "to mark down" or "to note down". Over time, the meaning of the word evolved, and in English, "denotation" refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word, without any associated connotations or additional meanings.
Similar spelling words for DENOTATION
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