denote
Definitions
To be a sign of; to indicate.
表示，标志着。
To mean literally; to stand for.
（字面上）意指，代表。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedde- (down, fully) + not (mark) = to mark something out fully and precisely. To denote is to point at a meaning directly: a symbol denotes a quantity, a red light denotes danger. It is the 'literal meaning' verb, paired with connote ('suggest beyond the literal').
Root not still carries 19 more wordsWhy It Means This
Denote vs connote is the classic pair from this root. Denote is the dictionary definition — what a word literally points to; connote is the baggage it carries. 'Home' denotes a place to live but connotes warmth and belonging. Linguists and logicians use denote heavily for the strict, literal reference.
Example Sentences
- 1.
On the map, a star denotes the capital city.
- 2.
A rising temperature may denote infection.
- 3.
In this code, X denotes an unknown value.
Easily Confused
denote vs connote — denote is the literal, explicit meaning (a skull denotes death); connote is the implied, emotional association (the color black connotes mourning). Rule: dictionary meaning → denote; the feelings around it → connote.