# denote

/dɪˈnoʊt/ (US) · /dɪnˈəʊt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/denote
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to represent or mean

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

to be a sign of something or to mean something specific.

For teachers: to serve as a symbol, sign, or name for something; to indicate or represent directly.

- In this diagram, the red lines denote the main roads in the city.
- The mathematical symbols used in the equation denote specific physical constants that remain unchanged throughout the experiment.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object to show what is being represented.

### 2. literal meaning

verb · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

to mean the literal or dictionary definition of a word, rather than the feelings it suggests.

For teachers: to refer to the literal, objective meaning of a term as opposed to its subjective connotations.

- While the word 'home' connotes comfort, it simply denotes the place where one lives.
- In semiotics, it is crucial to distinguish between what a sign denotes literally and the cultural values it connotes to a specific audience.

Teaching tip: This sense is frequently paired with 'connote' in academic writing to distinguish between literal and emotional meanings.

## Examples

- A red light on the dashboard denotes a serious engine problem.
- In mathematical notation, the symbol 'x' is often used to denote an unknown variable in an equation.
- While the word 'home' denotes a physical residence, its connotations of safety and belonging are what give the term its emotional resonance in literature.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.