This word has distinct meanings in other fields: see denotation (semiotics). For the opposite of Denotation see Connotation.
- In logic, linguistics and semiotics, the denotation of a word or phrase is a part of its meaning; however, the part referred to varies by context:
- In grammar and literary theory, the literal meaning or "dictionary definition" of a term, devoid of emotion, attitude, and color.
- In semiotics, the surface or literal meaning of a signifier.
- In logic, formal semantics and parts of linguistics, the extension of a term.
- In Computer science, denotational semantics is contrasted with operational semantics.
- In media-studies terminology, denotation is an example of the first level of analysis: what the audience can visually see on a page. Denotation often refers to something literal, and avoids being a metaphor. Here it is usually coupled with connotation which is the second level of analysis, being what the denotation represents.
In logic and formal semantics, denotation always attracts the extension meaning of the intension / extension pair, but the other element genuinely varies. See intension for some more discussion.
Denotation is often associated with symbolism, as the denotation of a particular media text often represents something further; a hidden meaning (or an Engima Code) is often encoded into a media text (such as the images below).
In order to understand the difference between denotation and connotation in the media studies and semiotics uses it may be helpful to consider the following examples:
Examples
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The denotation of this example is a red rose with a green stem. The connotation is that it is a symbol of passion and love - this is what the rose represents. |
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The denotation is a brown cross. The connotation is a symbol of religion, according to the media connotation. However, to be more specific this is a symbol of Christianity. |
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The denotation is a representation of a cartoon heart. The connotation is a symbol of love and affection, not in the way of a rose, but a symbol of true love. |
External links
Categories: Articles needing cleanup from November 2010 | Philosophy of language | Lexicology
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Q. I'm in the process of writing a fantasy story and I want to know what would be the appropriate way of denoting thought and telepathy. I know speech and dialogue are quotation marks, but how would YOU do thought versus telepathic speech?
Asked by Chiba-san - Fri Dec 29 13:07:44 2006 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments
A. when typing, these differences are mostly noted because they use italics. if your just writing you can of course use your lead ins such as he/she though... then quotations around the thoughts. hope this helps! also with telepathic speaking its the same as speaking if you have introduced the earlier fact that there telepathic and use this to communicate
Answered by snobunnie2004 - Fri Dec 29 13:21:19 2006
