denotative Hear it!

denotative Definition

de·no·ta·tive (dē′nō tāt′iv, di nōt′ə tiv)

adjective

  1. denoting; indicative
  2. of denotation

denotative Related Forms
de′·no·ta′·tively adverb
denotative Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • meaning: In the case of linguistic signs, the denotative meaning is what the dictionary attempts to provide.
  • truth: One, literally; that is, the Bible as the absolute, denotative truth put down by scribes acting as instruments of God.

Modifying Another Word

  • purely: Most semioticians argue that no sign is purely denotative - lacking connotation.