denote

Indicate by symbol

Denote means to indicate, signify, or stand for something.

A symbol denotes what it represents: The skull and crossbones denotes poison.

Words denote their referents.

In logic and linguistics, denote contrasts with connote—denotation is literal meaning, connotation is associated feeling.

A frown may denote displeasure; red may denote danger on a warning sign.

indicate

signify

To convey meaning

indicateSignal or point to
signalMessage-conveying cue
markVisible impression or sign

show · designate · specify · flag · label · tag · identify · highlight · pinpoint · note

mean

signify

To convey meaning

stand forMean or tolerate
representStand in for
refer toDirect to for information

express · convey · imply · suggest · communicate · define · translate · spell out · encode · designate

symbolize

symbol

Representational mark or sign

emblemRepresentational sign or device
iconPictorial screen symbol
signMark conveying information

mark · token · badge · insignia · logo · glyph · notation · cipher · code · monogram

Categories

representrepresent, stand for, symbolize, embody, personify
organizecategorize, classify, sort, arrange, group
clarifyexplain, clarify, elucidate, elaborate, spell out
showingshow, displaying, display, exhibiting, demonstrate
Reference Wordscite, mention, quote, reference, footnote

Opposites

explicit vs implicit meaning

Suggest beyond literal meaning

imply · suggest · intimate · insinuate · evoke

revealing vs concealing meaning

denotehide

Conceal or pelt

conceal · obscure · mask · disguise · veil

signifying vs failing to signify

denotemisrepresent

Depict inaccurately or falsely

distort · falsify · belie · ignore · overlook

Family

denotation, denotes, denoted, denotative, denoting, denotations

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G