denoting

[ dih-noh-ting ]

adjective

1. being a name or designation for something; meaning or referring to something:

   Bertrand Russell initially assumed that every denoting phrase—such as "Scott," "the number two," or "the golden mountain"—had to refer to an actually existing entity.

2. being a symbol that represents or stands for something:

   When any design in metal or pottery is registered as copyright, the denoting mark is impressed upon each article as it is made.

3. being an indicator or sign of something; identifying:

   The denoting signs of a company in financial distress usually include salary cuts, layoffs, and the resignation of top executives.

noun

1. the act or fact of naming, representing, indicating, or referring to something by means of a symbol, word, phrase, label, etc.:

   One thing that helps to standardize the spelling of placenames is the denoting of them by government-erected road signs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of denoting¹

First recorded in 1885–90; denot(e) ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective senses; denot(e) ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun sense

Example Sentences

That user labeled DraftKings’ action a “rug pull,” a term in the alternative investment world denoting schemes in which promoters collect millions of dollars from their marks and then absconds without delivering anything of value in return.

From Los Angeles Times

At that point, he still believed that “black,” a one-syllable English word denoting a color, should be the preferred identification.

From Salon

The uncertainty over his role going forward was accentuated by the team denoting him as a cornerback/safety on its official roster, the only player on defense given a listing of two different positions.

From Seattle Times

OTA, of course, is just an NFL legalistic term for “practice,” mostly denoting that the workouts are voluntary and cannot involve full pads or contact.

From Seattle Times

Uniform insignia straps denoting his rank were fetching $18,000.

From New York Times

Related Words

• compelling
• important
• momentous
• powerful
• serious
• symbolic