Past tense of denote; indicated or signified something explicitly, especially through symbols, words, or signs.
From Latin 'denotare', combining 'de-' (down, completely) and 'notare' (to mark, note). The word entered English in the 16th century, maintaining its sense of explicit marking or designation.
In linguistics and logic, 'denote' is crucial for understanding how language works - it's the literal, dictionary meaning of a word, as opposed to 'connote' which includes emotional associations. For example, 'home' denotes a dwelling but connotes warmth and belonging.
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