Denotation
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''This word has distinct meanings in other fields: see [[denotation (semiotics)]] and [[connotation and denotation]]. For the opposite of Denotation see [[Connotation]].''
*In [[logic]], [[linguistics]] and [[semiotics]], a '''denotation''' of a [[word]] or [[phrase]] is a part of its meaning; however, several parts of meaning may take this name, depending on the contrast being drawn:
** ''[[Connotation and denotation]]'' are either
***in basic [[semantics]] and [[literary theory]], the ''figurative'' and ''literal'' meanings of a word, or
***in philosophy, logic and parts of linguistics, the [[intension]] and [[extension (semantics)|extension]] of a word
** ''Denotation'' can be synonymous with '''reference''' in the [[sense and reference]] in philosophy of language.
* In [[Computer science]], [[denotational semantics]] is contrasted with [[operational semantics]].
* In [[Semiotics]], [[denotation (Semiotics)|denotation]] also has its own meaning.
*In [[mass media|media]]-studies terminology, '''denotation''' is a brilliant example of the first level of analysis: what the audience can visually see on a page. Denotation often refers to something literal, and avoids being a [[metaphor]]. Here it is usually coupled with [[connotation]] which is the second level of analysis, being what the denotation represents
In logic and semantics, denotational always attracts the [[Extension_(semantics)|extension]] meaning "in the pair", but the other element genuinely varies. See [[intension]] for some more discussion.
A denotation is the strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or colour.
Denotation often links with [[symbolism]], as the denotation of a particular media text often represents something further; a hidden meaning (or an Engima Code) is often encoded into a media text (such as the images below).
In order to understand fully the difference between denotation and [[connotation]] in the media studies and semiotics uses it is necessary to become familiar with some examples:
==Examples==
{|
|-
| [[Image:Cartoony red rose.svg|100px|left|Example one.]]
The denotation of this example is a red [[rose]] with a green [[Plant stem|stem]]. The connotation is that it is a '''symbol''' of passion and love - this is what the rose represents.
|-
| [[Image:Cartoony cross.svg|100px|left|Example two.]]
The denotation is a brown cross. The connotation is a '''symbol''' of [[religion]], according to the media connotation. However, to be more specific this is a '''symbol''' of Christianity.
|-
| [[Image:Cartoony heart.svg|100px|left|Example seven
.]]
The denotation is a [[Representation (arts)|representation]] of a cartoon heart. The connotation is a '''symbol''' of love and affection, not in the way of a rose, but a symbol of true love.
|-
|}
==External links==
* [http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/S4B/sem06.html Semiotics for Beginners]
* [http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/virtualit/poetry/denotate_def.html VirtuaLit Elements of Poetry]
[[Category:Philosophy of language]]
[[Category:Lexicology]]
[[ca:Denotació]]
[[de:Denotation]]
[[es:Denotación]]
[[fr:Dénotation et connotation]]
[[gl:Denotación]]
[[it:Denotazione]]
[[nl:Denotatie]]
[[pl:Denotacja]]
[[pt:Denotação]]
[[ru:Семиозис]]
[[simple:Denotation]]
[[fi:Denotaatio]]
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[[uk:Денотація]]