denotation

• Substantiv, das die wörtliche oder Grundbedeutung eines Wortes oder Ausdrucks bezeichnet, im Unterschied zur Konnotation, oder den Akt des Bezeichnens oder Benennens von etwas.

A noun referring to the literal or primary meaning of a word or expression, as opposed to its connotation, or the act of indicating or pointing out something by name.

1. Act of namingC1formal

   The act of indicating or pointing out something by name.

   Bezeichnung

   • The denotation of the term 'canine' refers to dogs.
   • In linguistics, denotation is the literal naming of an object.
   • The denotation of a symbol is its explicit reference.

   Synonymedesignationindicationnamingspecification

2. Literal meaningC1formal

   The most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression, as opposed to its connotation.

   Wörtliche Bedeutung

   • The denotation of 'home' is a place where one lives.
   • Poets often play with the denotation and connotation of words.
   • The denotation of 'blue' is a color, not a mood.

   Synonymeextensionimportmeaningreferencesense