denotation

• Nom désignant le sens littéral ou premier d'un mot ou d'une expression, par opposition à sa connotation, ou l'action de désigner ou de dénoter quelque chose par son nom.

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.

   Action de nommer

   • 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.

   Synonymesdesignationindicationnamingspecification

2. Literal meaningC1formal

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

   Dénotation (sens littéral)

   • 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.

   Synonymesextensionimportmeaningreferencesense