Definition of Denotation
the literal meaning of a word
Examples of Denotation in a sentence
While the word ‘rock’ has come to describe a certain form of music, its literal denotation refers only to actual stone. 🔊
Certain words have come to mean different things in today’s society, but the denotation of those words still means the same thing as they did in the past. 🔊
The word ‘mule’ is sometimes used to refer to a stubborn person, but its denotation means ‘a cross between a horse and a donkey.’ 🔊
The denotation of the word ‘chick’ literally refers to baby birds, but the word is often used to refer to people as well. 🔊
The literal meaning of a word is its denotation, but the way it is used or perceived is referred to as its connotation. 🔊
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