Denotative (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Having the power of explicitly denoting or designating or naming.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
In accordance with fact or the primary meaning of a term.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The dictionary definition of the word "bank" is denotative of a financial institution, but in everyday conversation, it can also refer to the side of a river.
- The denotative meaning of the word "mouse" is a small rodent, but in computing, it refers to a pointing device.
- The term "literally" is often misused, but in its denotative sense, it means something is happening or is true in a factual sense.
- The denotative meaning of the word "awful" is bad or unpleasant, but it is often used to mean something is impressive or extraordinary.
- The phrase "break a leg" has a denotative meaning of wishing someone harm, but its idiomatic meaning is to wish someone good luck.