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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

In a rear gallery, dark nighttime photographs are hung on walls painted black to denote the wee hours.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• stand for