Words / B2

di-NOHT/dɪˈnəʊt/

To denote is to stand for a meaning in a system of signs: a tick denotes “correct.” Mean is everyday and broader; denote is cooler, used in academic and technical English for labels, symbols, and definitions. Connote is the cousin for extra emotional colour (home connotes warmth). Denotation is the noun for the straight dictionary sense.

Meaning

To be a sign of something; to mean.

Examples

• “A red light denotes “stop.””
• “In this table, n.s. denotes a result that is not significant.”
• “A dotted line denotes a suggested route, not a real path.”

Good to know

X denotes Y = X stands for Y. Contrast: connote = extra feeling. Formal/technical.

Near in meaning

indicate

New