What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
refers
Example
She refers to her notes when giving a presentation. [refers: verb]
Example
The article refers to the recent study on climate change. [refers: verb]
Example
The term 'global warming' refers to the increase in Earth's average surface temperature. [refers: verb]
denote
Example
The color red often denotes passion or danger. [denotes: verb]
Example
The word 'dog' denotes a domesticated mammal of the Canidae family. [denotes: verb]
Example
The symbol '+' denotes addition in mathematics. [denotes: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Refers is more commonly used than denote in everyday language. Refers is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while denote is less common and refers specifically to the meaning or representation of words or symbols.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between refers and denote?
Denote is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, while refers is neutral in connotation and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
