denote
denote — 動詞
1. to work as a clear signal of something, showing its presence, nature, or meaning
代表；象徵
符號或現象所表示的意義
to work as a clear signal of something, showing its presence, nature, or meaning according to an established rule or system — for example, a colour on a map that indicates a type of land, or a physical feature that reveals someone's condition.
On the hiking map, blue triangles denote campsites along the trail.
在登山地圖上，藍色三角形代表步道沿線的營地。
denote + noun phrase — symbols on a map
In many cultures, offering a guest a cup of tea denotes hospitality and warmth.
在許多文化中，請客人喝茶代表熱情好客。
denote + abstract noun — social meaning
The dark circles under Mira's eyes denoted several nights of broken sleep.
Mira 眼眶下的黑眼圈代表她連續幾晚都沒睡好。
In ancient Rome, a wreath of laurel leaves denoted victory in battle.
在古羅馬，桂冠代表在戰役中獲勝。
A red warning light on the dashboard denotes that the engine temperature is too high.
儀表板上的紅色警示燈代表引擎溫度過高。
- indicate
broader and more everyday; can be used for people's gestures, while 'denote' is more for systems
- signify
slightly more formal; often used for implicit or deeper meaning
- represent
focuses on standing for something in a system rather than being a sign of it
- stand for
more informal; used mainly for abbreviations and symbols
文法句型
denote + noun phrase
denote + that-clause
用法筆記
This is the broadest and most common sense of 'denote'. It connects a visible sign, symbol, or feature to what it represents. The subject is often a symbol, colour, object, or physical sign rather than a person.
常見錯誤
2. to be the exact meaning of a word, letter, or symbol in a particular language or
意指
詞語或符號的含義
to be the exact meaning of a word, letter, or symbol in a particular language or system — used when explaining what a term refers to in a precise or technical sense.
In a chemistry lab, the symbol H₂O on a bottle denotes pure water.
在化學實驗室中，瓶子上的標示 H₂O 意指純水。
denote + noun phrase — scientific symbol meaning
The prefix 'un-' in English denotes a reversal or negation of the base word.
英語中的前綴「un-」意指對原詞的否定或反轉。
In musical scores, the Italian term 'allegro' denotes a fast and lively tempo.
在樂譜中，義大利術語「allegro」意指快速活潑的速度。
On this diagram, each arrow denotes the direction of blood flow through the heart.
在這張圖表上，每個箭頭意指血液流經心臟的方向。
The linguist explained that the word 'cool' can denote a low temperature or, informally, approval of something.
語言學家解釋說，「cool」這個詞可以意指低溫，或者在口語中表示讚許。
文法句型
denote + noun phrase
denote + that-clause
用法筆記
This sense focuses on the literal or technical meaning of words and symbols rather than associated feelings (which would be 'connote'). It is common in academic, scientific, and technical writing.
常見錯誤
3. to formally or officially make something clear or known — used especially in for
表明；宣告
正式表達或宣佈
to formally or officially make something clear or known — used especially in formal writing or announcements to state a position, intention, or change.
The ambassador's statement denoted a significant shift in foreign policy.
大使的聲明表明外交政策出現重大轉變。
denote + noun phrase — formal announcement
The committee's final report denoted a complete rejection of the proposed changes.
委員會的最終報告表明他們完全拒絕了提出的修改方案。
The president's speech denoted that the government would prioritise education reform in the coming year.
總統的演說表明政府在未來一年將優先推動教育改革。
The court's ruling denoted that the new law would apply to cases from the previous decade.
法院的判決表明新法將適用於過去十年間的案件。
The mayor's cautious language denoted an unwillingness to commit to the costly project.
市長謹慎的措辭表明他不願對這個昂貴的計畫做出承諾。
文法句型
denote + noun phrase
denote + that-clause
用法筆記
This sense is formal and somewhat dated in modern English. In everyday contexts, 'indicate', 'announce', or 'state' are more natural. It survives mainly in formal written reports, official statements, and academic prose.