Denote
/dɪˈnəʊt/
Definitions
To serve as a sign or symbol of; to indicate or represent something.
/dɪˈnəʊt/
To be a sign of; indicate
The black armband denoted mourning.
💡 Simply: Imagine a stop sign: the red color *denotes* that you should stop the car. It's like when something is used to represent or stand for something else.
👶 For kids: When something *denotes* something else, it's like it's showing you or telling you what it means.
More Examples
The star on the map denotes a landmark.
His silence denoted agreement.
How It's Used
"The red color of the traffic light denotes danger."
"In this equation, the symbol 'x' denotes an unknown value."
Idioms & expressions
denote by
To represent or indicate something using a specific symbol or item.
"The force of gravity is often denoted by the letter 'g'."
From Latin *denotāre* 'to mark out, signify', from *de-* (intensive prefix) + *notāre* 'to note'.
Used in formal contexts since the 17th century; often employed in legal, scientific, and academic writing.
Memory tip
Think of a *note* (as in a musical note) that *de-* (down) *notes* something significant.