Glossary:Denotation

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Denotation

Pronunciation: /ˌdinoʊˈteɪʃən/

Definition

Denotation refers to the relationship between a linguistic expression and the concrete language-external entities to which it refers.

Examples

• (word) Labrador: (Denotation) one breed of ´canine quadrupeds´i.e. four-legged animals belonging to the dog family.
  
• (word) Winter: (Denotation) the season between autumn and spring.

Related terms

Connotation

References and links

Markus Bieswanger, and Annette Becker. Introduction to English Linguistics. 2nd Auflage. A.Franke Verlag Tübingen und Basel, 2008. Print.