Denotation generally means representing by signs or symbols. In semiotics, it refers to the specific, literal meaning affixed to a sign, in contrast to connotation, which represents its emotional associations and secondary meanings. For example, the word "tree" denotes a woody plant with a single trunk and branches, but it can also connote strength, longevity, wisdom, or peace, depending on the context.
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| Jacques Derrida by Pablo-Secca |
While John Stuart Mill introduced this distinction in 1843,¹ philosopher Jacques Derrida (1930-2004) and his followers challenged the idea of a fixed denotation. They argued that language is constantly evolving and signs derive meaning from their relationships with other signs rather than a single, unchanging definition. Because of this, Derrida might say that "fixed meanings" are elusive and that everything is ultimately connotation.
However, claiming "there is only connotation" can be problematic by arguably creating a meta-truth or master denotation that may self-reference (be reapplied to itself) in an infinite series of connotations. So this kind of claim would be paradoxically true and false.
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¹ See online at http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27942
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