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Literature vocabulary · Core Concepts

Denotation

Meaning in literature, with examples

nounCommon term

In literature, denotation means: The direct, basic meaning of a word, apart from the feelings, associations, or implied ideas it may suggest.

In Turkish: düzanlam

How it is used

Common in language and literature classes when comparing dictionary meaning with connotation. It helps explain why similar words can create different effects.

Example sentences

  1. In her margin note, the student separated the denotation of 'home' from the warm memories the poem attaches to it.

    Here, denotation means the literal dictionary sense, contrasted with the emotional associations built by the poem.

  2. The copy editor checked the denotation of each legal term so the review would stay accurate and not rely on loose impressions.

    In this sentence, the term points to precise literal meaning, which matters when exact wording affects interpretation.

Common collocations

  • literal denotation
  • dictionary denotation
  • denotation and connotation
  • check the denotation
  • interpretationAn explanation of what a text or a part of it means, supported by evidence from the text; also the act of explaining it.
  • literary analysisA close examination of how a literary text works, looking at elements such as theme, character, structure and language to explain its meaning and effects.

More terms: Core Concepts

Practise with graded reading

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