Nelson-Denny Practice Test

What does it mean to "denote"?

1. Indicate

2. Obfuscate

3. Improve

4. Conceal

The correct answer is: Indicate

To "denote" means to indicate or to refer to something specifically. In the context of language and communication, when a word is said to denote something, it is understood to represent a particular idea, object, or concept clearly and directly. For example, the word "tree" denotes a type of plant with a trunk, branches, and leaves. This clear indication helps in understanding the primary meaning without any ambiguity. The other options—obfuscate, improve, and conceal—carry meanings that are contrary or irrelevant in this context. Obfuscate means to make something unclear or confusing, which contradicts the clarity that denotation provides. Improve suggests enhancing something, while conceal implies hiding or preventing something from being seen, neither of which aligns with the idea of indicating or representing something directly. Thus, choosing "indicate" correctly captures the essence of what it means to denote.