Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
signifier
Noun
/ˈsɪɡnɪˌfaɪər/
Definition
A signifier is a term or concept used in linguistics and semiotics to denote the physical form of a sign or the word that represents something, separating it from the concept it conveys.
Examples
- The word ‘tree’ is a signifier for the idea of a tree.
- In a painting, the colors and shapes used work as signifiers of the emotions the artist wants to convey.
Meaning
In simpler terms, the signifier is the word or image that we use to represent an idea or object, while the actual idea or object is called the signified.
Synonyms
- Symbol
- Token
- Representation
