denotative

adjective

de·​no·​ta·​tive ˈdē-nō-ˌtā-tiv How to pronounce denotative (audio) di-ˈnō-tə-tiv How to pronounce denotative (audio)
1
: denoting or tending to denote
2
: relating to denotation

Examples of denotative in a Sentence

a string of absences from this course will be seen as denotative of the student's lack of interest in it
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Semantic bleaching is another linguistic process whereby the denotative content of a word is stripped away. Brandon Tensley, CNN, 10 July 2022 The paragon of such an attempt is something like Jia Tolentino’s Trick Mirror, a work that stands as a denotative record of the social media shift, yet still falls to the same difficulties that characterize other cultural criticism of this type. SPIN, 8 Feb. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of denotative was circa 1611

Dictionary Entries Near denotative

Cite this Entry

“Denotative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denotative. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

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