Definition of "denotatively"

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.

1878, Shadworth Hollway Hodgson, The philosophy of reflection, volume 1, page 9

"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.

1995, Designing Health Messages: Approaches from Communication Theory, page 18