Denotasjonelle

Denotasjonelle is a term used in linguistics and semiotics to describe the denotational aspect of meaning—the part that ties a linguistic expression directly to its referent or extension in the world. The word is formed from denotasjon (denotation) with the adjectival suffix -elle, a pattern found in several Nordic languages to create descriptors of linguistic facets.

In usage, denotasjonelle meaning focuses on the relationship between sign and object, rather than on how a term is felt, used, or culturally loaded. It is often contrasted with konnotasjonelle or connotational aspects, which cover emotional associations, evaluative overtones, and implied meanings that accompany a term.

The concept is discussed within semantic theory and related frameworks such as denotational or extensional semantics, where expressions map to objects, properties, or truth-conditions rather than to internal senses alone. Classic examples illustrate denotational content: the denotasjonelle content of the word dog is the set of all dogs in the domain of discourse; while terms like the morning star and the evening star share the same denotation (Venus) but differ in sense.

In linguistic analysis, denotasjonelle considerations help distinguish reference from use, context, and inference, aiding investigations of indexicals, proper names, and descriptive phrases. The term is more common in Nordic-language linguistics and discussions that explicitly separate denotational from connotational analysis. See also denotation, denotational semantics, connotation, and semantic theory.