denotatively

adv

Etymology: From denotative + -ly.

1. In a way that denotes.

   “We use words either denotatively or connotatively; denotatively when a word is used as a mere mark or sign to point out which thing of all possible things we mean to speak of, and connotatively when it is used to point out a supposed characteristic of the thing denoted.”

   “"Risks," in other words, may appear ominous and act as a barrier to thought about the message. In sum, to invoke more conscious thought about a verbal message, message designers should select more denotatively specific language.”