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Denotation vs Reference - What's the difference?

denotation | reference |

In semantics terms the difference between denotation and reference

is that denotation is something signified or referred to; a particular meaning of a symbol while reference is a relation between objects in which one object designates, or acts as a means by which to connect to or link to, another object.

As nouns the difference between denotation and reference

is that denotation is the act of denoting, or something (such as a symbol) that denotes while reference is a relationship or relation ({{term|to}} something).

As a verb reference is

to refer to, to make reference to, to cite.

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

    * *

    reference

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A relationship or relation ((to) something).
  • *, III.1.3:
  • all these are far more eminent and great, when they shall proceed from a sanctified spirit, that hath a true touch of religion and a reference to God.
  • A measurement one can compare to.
  • Information about a person, provided by someone (a referee) with whom they are well acquainted
  • A reference work.
  • (semantics) A relation between objects in which one object designates, or acts as a means by which to connect to or link to, another object.
  • (academic writing) A short written identification of a previously published work which is used as a source for a text.
  • (academic writing) A previously published written work thus indicated; a source.
  • (programming) An object containing information which refers to data stored elsewhere, as opposed to containing the data itself.
  • (programming, character entity) A special sequence used to represent complex characters in a web page such as ™ or €.
  • (obsolete) appeal
  • * Shakespeare
  • Make your full reference .

    Derived terms

    * * * * * * * *

    See also

    * sense

    Verb

    (referenc)
  • to refer to, to make reference to, to cite
  • Reference the dictionary for word meanings.
  • to mention
  • Usage notes

    * Some authorities object to the use of reference as a verb, preferring "refer to" or "cite".