denote

1 to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind <a flashing red light that denotes danger> Synonyms mean, express, import, intend, signify, spellRelated Words connote, imply, suggest; add up (to), amount (to); hint, infer, insinuate, intimate; embody, epitomize, personify, represent, symbol, symbolize; advert, allude (to), cite, instance, mention, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon); designate, indicate, point (to), signal; announce, declare, proclaim; elucidate, explain

2 to serve as a sign or symptom of <the unkempt yard denotes a homeowner with little concern for the well-being of his neighborhood> Synonyms bespeak, betoken, indicate, mean, point (to), signify, tell (of)Related Words bode, foreshow, foretell, presage