denote

/dɪˈnoʊt/

/dɪˈnʌʊt/

Other forms: denotes; denoted; denoting

To denote is to draw attention to something or to show what it means. All of the googly-eyed looks that a girl gives to a boy might do more to denote her feelings for him than leaving a note in his locker.

Denote comes from the Latin root dēnotāre, "to mark out." Using a particular facial expression can denote meaning, as in, "All of the crinkled foreheads and squinted eyebrows denoted a lack of understanding among the math students." Words and symbols also point to, or denote, meaning, "If he had used PST to denote the fact that he was in the Pacific time zone, she would have known that it was only 4:00 a.m. and too early to call from New York."

Definitions of denote

1. verb

   have as a meaning
   “`multi-' denotes `many'”

   synonyms: refer

   types:

   convolute, pervert, sophisticate, twist, twist around

   practice sophistry; change the meaning of or be vague about in order to mislead or deceive

   euphemise, euphemize

   refer to something with a euphemism

   come back, hark back, recall, return, rewind

   go back to something earlier

   identify, name

   give the name or identifying characteristics of; refer to by name or some other identifying characteristic property

   apply

   refer (a word or name) to a person or thing

   slur

   speak disparagingly of; e.g., make a racial slur

   express, state

   indicate through a symbol, formula, etc.

   enumerate, itemise, itemize, recite

   specify individually

   list, number

   enumerate

   go back, recur

   return in thought or speech to something

   announce

   give the names of

   vote

   express a choice or opinion

   vote

   express one's choice or preference by vote

   type of:

   intend, mean, signify, stand for

   denote or connote
2. verb

   be a sign or indication of
   “Her smile denoted that she agreed”

   synonyms:

   refer

   have as a meaning

   type of:

   denominate, designate

   assign a name or title to
3. verb

   make known; make an announcement
   “She denoted her feelings clearly”

   synonyms: announce

   types:

   denounce

   announce the termination of, as of treaties

   meld

   announce for a score; of cards in a card game

   report

   announce one's presence

   report

   announce as the result of an investigation or experience or finding

   blazon out, cry

   proclaim or announce in public

   trump, trump out

   proclaim or announce with or as if with a fanfare

   blare out, blat out

   announce loudly

   call out

   call out loudly, as of names or numbers

   advertise, advertize, publicise, publicize

   call attention to

   post

   publicize with, or as if with, a poster

   sound

   announce by means of a sound

   check in, sign in

   announce one's arrival, e.g. at hotels or airports

   check out

   announce one's departure from a hotel

   clock off, clock out, punch out

   register one's departure from work

   count off

   call in turn from right to left or from back to front numbers that determine some position or function

   headline

   publicize widely or highly, as if with a headline

   ballyhoo

   advertise noisily or blatantly

   bill, placard

   publicize or announce by placards

   type of:

   inform

   impart knowledge of some fact, state or affairs, or event to