Denotare

Denotare is an Italian verb meaning to denote, indicate, or signify. In linguistics, logic, and philosophy, it describes the relation between a linguistic expression and its referent—the object or set of objects to which the expression points. In this sense, the denotation of a term is its extension within a given domain.

Etymology and related terms: Denotare comes from Latin denotare. Italian uses related nouns such as denotazione (denotation) and connotazione (connotation). The denotazione refers to the extension or the set of entities a term denotes, while connotazione concerns the attributes, associations, or evaluative undertones connected with the term.

Applications and usage: In formal semantics and philosophy of language, denotare is used to discuss how expressions pick out objects, properties, or relations in a model or world. In grammar and semantics, a noun phrase denotes a class of referents; in mathematics or computer science, symbols denote objects, sets, or operations.

Usage notes: Denotare is more common in academic or technical writing. In everyday Italian, speakers often use indicare, significare, or signs of context instead of denotare for general indicating or meaning. Nonetheless, denotare remains standard terminology in discussions of denotation and reference.