Skip to content
GREMockTests
GRE vocabulary

denote

verbHigh-frequency wordMore D words

to be a sign or symbol of something; to indicate or refer to

Word origin: From Latin denotare, to mark out, from notare, to mark.

In a sentence

Denote in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing denote in a sentence.

The red flag on the map denotes areas of high flood risk.

On the chart, a red dot denotes a station that has been permanently closed.

Synonyms
signifyindicaterepresentmean
Antonyms

None listed.

Usage & nuance

Using “denote” well

Denote refers to a word's or sign's literal, explicit meaning, in contrast to connote, which covers its associations. The denote/connote distinction is a recurring point of confusion the GRE exploits.

Common questions

Questions about “denote

Denote (verb) means to be a sign or symbol of something; to indicate or refer to
Here is denote used in an example sentence: "The red flag on the map denotes areas of high flood risk." Another example: "On the chart, a red dot denotes a station that has been permanently closed."
Common synonyms for denote include signify, indicate, represent, mean.
Clusters with signify, indicate, represent, and mean in Sentence Equivalence; its natural counterpart is connote, which concerns implied rather than stated meaning.
Yes. Denote is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

Learn words the way the GRE tests them.

Vocabulary sticks when you meet it in real sentences. Practise these words inside text completion and sentence equivalence questions.