denote

(dĭ-nōtˈ)

transitive verb de·not·ed, de·not·ing, de·notes

1. To mark; indicate: a frown that denoted increasing impatience.
2. To serve as a symbol or name for the meaning of; signify: A flashing yellow light denotes caution.
3. To signify directly; refer to specifically.

Related Forms:

• de·notˈa·ble adjective

• de·noˈtive adjective

Usage Note: Denote and connote are often confused because both words have senses that entail signification. Denote means “to signify directly or literally” and describes the relation between the word and the thing it conventionally names. Connote means “to signify indirectly, suggest or imply” and describes the relation between the word and the images or associations it evokes. Thus, the word river denotes a moving body of water and may connote such things as the relentlessness of time and the changing nature of life.