denote

[dih-noht]

verb (used with object)

denoted, denoting 

1. to be a mark or sign of; indicate.

   A fever often denotes an infection.

   Synonyms: evidence, signify, signal, mark

2. to be a name or designation for; mean.

3. to represent by a symbol, or to be a symbol for.

denote

/ dɪˈnəʊt /

verb

1. to be a sign, symbol, or symptom of; indicate or designate

2. (of words, phrases, expressions, etc) to have as a literal or obvious meaning

Other Word Forms

• denotable adjective
• denotement noun
• undenotable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of denote¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Middle French dénoter, Latin dēnotāre “to mark out,” equivalent to dē- de- + notāre “to mark”; note

Word History and Origins

Origin of denote¹

C16: from Latin dēnotāre to mark, from notāre to mark, _note

Example Sentences

Their goal in their personal work is to combine theme park-like art direction with scrappy, budget-friendly immersive theater, a term that typically denotes some level of active participation on the part of the guest.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It comes amid growing concern about the increasing collaboration of the “axis of upheaval,” a term that denotes China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea and their opposition to the U.S.-led world order.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If you think those pies denote happiness, you would be right.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“A pair of small arcs denoted the women’s breasts, and the future president’s signature is a squiggly ‘Donald’ below her waist, mimicking public hair,” the Journal reported.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It denotes "significant impacts" for the health and social care services.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• stand for