Fiveable
Fiveable

Denotative Language

Definition

Denotative language refers to words and phrases that have precise, literal meanings with no emotional associations attached. It focuses on conveying information objectively without any subjective interpretations.

Related terms

Literal Meaning: The actual, dictionary definition of a word or phrase, without any figurative or metaphorical interpretations.

Objective Writing: Writing that presents information in an unbiased and neutral manner, relying on facts rather than personal opinions.

Semantics: The study of meaning in language, including how words relate to concepts and how their meanings can change over time.

"Denotative Language" appears in:

Study guides (2)

  • AP English Language - 7.2 Considering how words, phrases, and clauses can modify and limit an argument

  • AP English Language - 8.2 Considering how sentence development and word choice affect how the writer is perceived by an audience

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab


Fiveable
About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

Stay Connected


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.