denotative
Dictionary meaning only
Denotative describes the literal, direct meaning of a word—what it refers to in the world, stripped of emotional associations or implied meanings.
The denotative meaning of *home* is a dwelling; its connotative meanings include safety, comfort, or belonging.
The denotative definition won't capture how the word actually feels.
Meaning exactly what's said
- explicitClearly and directly expressed
- directUndeviating or to guide
- referentialPertaining to indication
- objectivePurpose or goal
factual · dictionary · definitional · surface · lexical · primary · basic · core
Study of linguistic meaning
- significationExpressed or intended meaning
- meaningWhat something signifies
- referentWhat a term designates
- signifierMeaning-bearing form
semiotics · linguistics · terminology · lexeme · morpheme · syntax · philology · etymology
Clearly and directly expressed
- unambiguousAllowing single interpretation only
- manifestClearly apparent or displayed
- evidentClearly perceived or understood
- apparentClearly seen or understood
distinct · obvious · overt · transparent · clear · plain · unmistakable · unequivocal
Hinting at impropriety
- impliedSuggested without stating
- figurativeRepresenting through imagery
- metaphoricalSymbolic rather than literal
- associativeConnecting by relationship
emotive · subjective · nuanced · allusive · symbolic · evocative · impressionistic · interpretive
literal
Meaning exactly what's said
- explicitClearly and directly expressed
- directUndeviating or to guide
- referentialPertaining to indication
objective · factual · dictionary · definitional · surface · lexical · primary · basic · core · straightforward
semantics
Study of linguistic meaning
- significationExpressed or intended meaning
- meaningWhat something signifies
- referentWhat a term designates
signifier · semiotics · linguistics · terminology · lexeme · morpheme · syntax · philology · etymology · definition
explicit
Clearly and directly expressed
- unambiguousAllowing single interpretation only
- manifestClearly apparent or displayed
- evidentClearly perceived or understood
apparent · distinct · obvious · overt · transparent · clear · plain · unmistakable · unequivocal · perspicuous
suggestive
Hinting at impropriety
- impliedSuggested without stating
- figurativeRepresenting through imagery
- metaphoricalSymbolic rather than literal
associative · emotive · subjective · nuanced · allusive · symbolic · evocative · impressionistic · interpretive · expressive
denotativeconnotative
Implying beyond literal sense
associative · affective · emotive · evocative · figurative
denotativesuggestive
Hinting at impropriety
implicative · inferential · implicit · implied · allusive