denotation

/,di:nou'teiʃn/

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Denotation is a noun that refers to the most direct or specific meaning of a word. It is what the word actually refers to, without any extra feelings or ideas that might be attached to it.

Explanation:

• Basic Meaning: Denotation is the literal meaning of a word. For example, the denotation of the word "dog" is a domesticated animal that is often kept as a pet.
• Usage: When you want to talk about what a word really means, you are referring to its denotation.

Example:

• The denotation of the word "home" is a place where someone lives. It describes the physical structure (like a house or apartment) without including any emotional feelings that the word might bring up (like warmth or family).

Advanced Usage:

• In literature, understanding the denotation of words can help you interpret the text more clearly. Sometimes, authors use words with specific denotations to convey particular ideas or settings.

Word Variants:

• The adjective form is denotative, which describes something that indicates or refers to something directly.
• The adverb form is denotatively.

Different Meanings:

• Denotation is often contrasted with connotation, which refers to the additional meaning or feelings that a word carries beyond its literal definition. For example, the connotation of "home" might include feelings of comfort and safety.

Synonyms:

• Literal meaning
• Definition
• Signification

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "denotation" itself does not have common idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, understanding the concept can help you in phrases like: - "To get to the heart of the matter" means to understand the denotation of what is being discussed, removing any confusion or emotional baggage.

Summary:

Denotation is about the straightforward, dictionary definition of a word. It helps you understand exactly what is meant without any additional feelings or ideas.

Academic

Noun

1. the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression; the class of objects that an expression refers to
   • the extension of `satellite of Mars' is the set containing only Demos and Phobos
2. the act of indicating or pointing out by name

Synonyms

• reference
• extension
• indication