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denote

v.
C1 Advanced US //dɪˈnoʊt// UK //dɪnˈəʊt// de·note Academic

v. to be a sign of something or to mean something specific. You use this when one thing represents another, like a symbol on a map.

v. to serve as an explicit sign or symbol of something; to indicate or represent. Often used to distinguish literal meaning from emotional or cultural associations.


SIMPLE

A red light on the dashboard denotes a serious engine problem.

CONTEXTUAL

In mathematical notation, the symbol 'x' is often used to denote an unknown variable in an equation.

COMPLEX

While the word 'home' denotes a physical residence, its connotations of safety and belonging are what give the term its emotional resonance in literature.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle French denoter, from Latin denotare, from de- (“complete”) and notare (“to mark out”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Frequently used in academic and technical writing to define symbols or terms.

Pitfall

The word denotes about a feelingThe word denotes a feelingDenote is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'about'.

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