what is the difference between "denote" and "refer"?

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
1

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #710 [color=blue]“In the classroom”, question 3

‘In’ usually … position and ‘into’ suggests movement.

(a) refers
(b) denotes
(c) demonstrates

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #710 [color=blue]“In the classroom”, answer 3

‘In’ usually denotes position and ‘into’ suggests movement.

Correct answer: (b) denotes
[size=200]_________________________[/size]

what is the difference between “denote” and “refer”? Thanks

2

Hi,

‘Denote’ suggests ‘describe’ and ‘refer’ is usually used with the preposition ‘to’ to mean ‘indicate’ as in: The preposition ‘in’ refers to the position of something.

Alan