What is Denotation?
:''For the opposite of Denotation see [[Connotation]].'' {{wiktionary|denote}} *In [[logic]], [[linguistics]] and [[semiotics]], a '''denotation''' of a [[word]] or [[phrase]] is a part of its meaning. ==Examples== 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: {| |- | [[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. |- |}: == Different aspects of meaning == Several parts of meaning may be called denotation. That depends 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]] 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 the first level of analysis: what the [[audience]] can visually see on a page. Denotation often refers to something literal, and avoids b