Signifier vs. Signified — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 25, 2023
Signifier is the physical form of a word, image, or sound that represents a concept. Signified is the concept or meaning associated with a signifier, often abstract.
Difference Between Signifier and Signified
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Signifier represents the form, such as a word or image.Signified represents the meaning or concept.
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Signifierios Concrete and perceivable.Signified is Abstract and mental.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Physical form of a word, image, or sound
Concept or meaning associated with it
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Perceptibility
Concrete and perceivable
Abstract and mental
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Language Dependency
Varies between languages
Less language-dependent
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Example
"Cat" as the word representing a feline
The mental concept of a cat
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Compare with Definitions
Signifier
The physical representation of a concept.
In the word 'tree,' 'tree' is the signifier for the concept of a tall, woody plant.
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Signified
The abstract meaning associated with a signifier.
For 'love,' the signified is the deep emotional affection between people.
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Signifier
The form of a word, image, or sound.
A red traffic light is a signifier of 'stop' in many cultures.
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Signified
The concept conveyed by a sign.
The signified of a white dove often symbolizes peace and purity.
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Signifier
One that signifies.
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Signified
The concept that a signifier denotes.
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Signifier
(Linguistics) A linguistic unit or pattern, such as a succession of speech sounds, written symbols, or gestures, that conveys meaning; a linguistic sign. The signifier of the concept "tree" is, in English, the string of speech sounds (t), (r), and (ē); in German, (b), (ou), and (m).
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Signified
The concept or idea evoked by a sign.
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Signifier
Something or someone that signifies, makes something more significant or important.
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Signified
Simple past tense and past participle of signify
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Signifier
(cartomancy) A card representing a querent, question, or situation.
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Signified
The meaning of a word or expression; the way in which a word or expression or situation can be interpreted;
The dictionary gave several senses for the word
In the best sense charity is really a duty
The signifier is linked to the signified
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Signifier
(linguistics) The sound of a spoken word or string of letters on a page that a person recognizes as a sign.
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Signifier
The phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something;
The inflected forms of a word can be represented by a stem and a list of inflections to be attached
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Common Curiosities
How do signifiers differ from signifieds?
Signifiers represent the form, while signifieds represent the meaning.
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What does "signifier" mean?
A signifier is the physical form representing a concept or meaning.
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Can you provide an example of a signifier?
"Tree" is a signifier for the concept of a tall, leafy plant.
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Is a signifier language-dependent?
Yes, it can vary between languages.
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Are signifiers always words?
No, they can also be images, symbols, or sounds.
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Can you give an example of a signified?
The signified of "home" might represent comfort, belonging, and shelter.
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Are signifieds universal?
They can be less language-dependent and more abstract than signifiers.
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Is there always a one-to-one relationship between signifiers and signifieds?
No, as meanings can vary based on context and interpretation.
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What does "signified" refer to?
A signified is the abstract meaning or concept associated with a signifier.
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How do signifieds relate to language?
They convey the mental concept behind a word or symbol.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
