Nelson-Denny Practice Test

The term that signifies or makes known is "denote." In linguistic and semantic contexts, "denote" refers to the explicit meaning of a word or phrase; it is used to indicate or represent something clearly and directly. For instance, when someone uses a word, it denotes a specific concept or object that is universally understood within a given language or context. This term highlights clarity and directness in communication.

In contrast, "enigma" refers to something that is mysterious or difficult to understand, which does not align with the idea of making something known. "Enliven," on the other hand, means to make something more lively or spirited, which is about enhancing energy rather than signifying. Lastly, "benevolent" describes an inclination to be kind or charitable, focusing on behavior rather than the act of indicating or making something known. Thus, "denote" is the most fitting term for the definition provided in the question.