DENOTATION, in logic, a technical term used strictly as the correlative of connotation, to describe one of the two func tions of a concrete term (from Lat. denotare, to mark out, speci fy). The concrete term "connotes" attributes and "denotes" all the individuals which, as possessing these attributes, constitute the genus or species described by the term. Thus "cricketer" denotes the individuals who play cricket, and connotes the quali ties or characteristics by which these individuals are marked. In this sense, in which it was first used by J. S. Mill, denotation is equivalent to extension, and connotation to intension. It is clear that when the given term is qualified by a limiting adjective the denotation or extension diminishes, while the connotation or in tension increases; e.g., a generic term like "flower" has a larger extension, and a smaller intension than "rose"; "rose" than "moss rose." In more general language denotation is used loosely for that which is meant or indicated by a word, phrase, sentence or even an action. Thus a proper name or even an abstract term is said to have denotation. (See CONNOTATION.) Some writers would confine the term denotation to real things (as distinguished from merely imaginary ones), and use "extension" in the wider sense. In that case the term "fairy" would have extension but not denotation.