denotation
Pronunciation: [ˌdɛnəˈteɪʃən]
Word
Context: "language"
(noun) the exact or primary meaning of a word. When you think of what a word literally means, that's its denotation.
Example
The denotation of the word 'dog' is a domesticated animal that barks.
Example
The word 'home' has a denotation that means just a physical building, not all the feelings that come with it.
Example
What is the denotation of the word 'school'?
Context: "semantics"
(noun) the meaning of a word, phrase, or expression as opposed to its connotation. This means understanding only what a word specifically refers to without emotional or cultural feelings attached.
Example
When we study words in class, we focus on their denotation first before exploring deeper meanings.
Example
Ignoring the denotation can lead to misunderstandings about what someone is really saying.
Example
Can you explain the denotation of 'freedom'?
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