The triangle of meaning is a concept that illustrates the relationship between words, thoughts, and referents in linguistics. It serves as a useful model for understanding how language conveys meaning.
At the apex of the triangle is the symbol, which refers to the word or phrase used to convey an idea (for example, the word ‘tree’). The left point represents the referent, which is the actual object or concept that the symbol refers to in the real world—in this case, the physical tree itself. The right point of the triangle signifies the thought or concept, which is the mental image or understanding that a person has when they hear or think of the word ‘tree’.
This triangular relationship reveals that meaning is not inherent in the words themselves but arises from the connection between the symbol, the thought, and the referent. For instance, the same symbol ‘tree’ may evoke different thoughts or images in different people’s minds based on their experiences and cultural backgrounds. Similarly, the word might refer to various types of trees. This illustrates how language is shaped by human experience, and understanding this triangle can enhance our comprehension of communication and meaning-making in social contexts.