Denotation 252063 225789236 2008-07-15T12:15:30Z CarsracBot 6929011 robot Adding: [[simple:Denotation]] ''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]] [[sv:Denotation]] [[uk:Денотація]]