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Denotation vs Definition - What's the difference?

denotation | definition |

In semantics terms the difference between denotation and definition

is that denotation is something signified or referred to; a particular meaning of a symbol while definition is a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol (dictionary definitions).

As nouns the difference between denotation and definition

is that denotation is the act of denoting, or something (such as a symbol) that denotes while definition is a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol (dictionary definitions).

denotation

Noun

(en noun)
  • The act of denoting, or something (such as a symbol) that denotes
  • (logic, linguistics, semiotics) The primary, literal, or explicit meaning of a word, phrase, or symbol; that which a word denotes, as contrasted with its connotation; the aggregate or set of objects of which a word may be predicated.
  • The denotations of the two expressions "the morning star" and "the evening star" are the same (i.e. both expressions denote the planet Venus), but their connotations are different.
  • (philosophy, logic) The intension and extension of a word
  • (semantics) Something signified or referred to; a particular meaning of a symbol
  • (semiotics) The surface or literal meaning encoded to a signifier, and the definition most likely to appear in a dictionary
  • (computer science) Any mathematical object which describes the meanings of expressions from the languages, formalized in the theory of denotational semantics
  • (media-studies) A first level of analysis: what the audience can visually see on a page. Denotation often refers to something literal, and avoids being a metaphor.
  • Derived terms

    * denotative

    References

    *

    Anagrams

    * *

    definition

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (semantics) A statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol (dictionary definitions).
  • A statement expressing the essential nature of something; formulation
  • The action or process of defining.
  • The act of defining; determination of the limits.
  • A product of defining.
  • The action or power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear.
  • Her comic genius is beyond definition .
  • Clarity of visual presentation, distinctness of outline or detail.
  • The definition of a telescope.
    Improve the definition of an image.
  • Clarity, especially of musical sound in reproduction.
  • Sharp demarcation of outlines or limits.
  • A jacket with distinct waist definition .
  • (bodybuilding) The degree to which individual muscles are distinct on the body.
  • (programming) A statement which provides a previous declaration with a value or body of a subroutine (in the case of function).
  • (mathematics) A statement that establishes the referent of a term or notation.
  • Synonyms

    * See also

    Derived terms

    * circular definition * conceptual definition * definition by example * definition by pointing * dictionary definition * enumerative definition * extensional definition * intensional definition * lexical definition * operational definition * ostensive definition * precising definition * recursive definition * stipulative definition * working definition