denotation

/ˌdiːnoʊˈteɪʃən/
noun
  1. The literal or primary meaning of a word, as opposed to the feelings or ideas it suggests (connotation).
    • The denotation of 'home' is a place where someone lives, but for many it also suggests warmth and family.
    • When writing a scientific report, it's important to focus on the denotation of terms to avoid confusion.
    • In a dictionary, you usually find the denotation of a word before any figurative meanings.
  2. The act of indicating or referring to something by a name or symbol.
    • The denotation of a stop sign is that drivers must come to a complete halt.
    • The denotation of a red light in traffic is to stop.
    • In mathematics, the denotation of the symbol π is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.
Antonyms
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