Signification: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'significatio', which means 'to signify' or 'to indicate'.
• It combines 'signum' (meaning 'sign') and 'facere' (meaning 'to make') in its Latin roots.
• During the Renaissance, scholars began to analyze how words represent ideas, leading to deeper philosophical discussions.

Linguistics

• In linguistics, signification refers to the concept or meaning that a word conveys beyond its physical form.
• Ferdinand de Saussure, a Swiss linguist, emphasized that signification is key to understanding language as a system of signs.
• The distinction between denotation (literal meaning) and connotation (suggested meaning) is central to the study of signification.

Philosophy

• Philosophers like Peirce and Saussure have greatly influenced how we understand the relationship between signs and the ideas they represent.
• Signification is integral to the philosophical study of semiotics, which explores how meaning is constructed and understood.
• The process of signification can shape our perceptions and interactions with the world around us.

Cultural Studies

• In cultural contexts, signification can highlight how symbols and meanings vary across different societies and communities.
• Understanding social norms often relies on grasping the signification behind behaviors and practices within a culture.
• The meaning of symbols may shift over time, reflecting changes in societal values or attitudes.

Art

• In visual arts, signification plays a crucial role in how viewers interpret symbolism and messages in artworks.
• Artists often use colors, shapes, and forms to convey deeper meanings, which can vary greatly between cultures.
• The study of art history frequently involves deciphering the signification of different artistic movements and styles.

At position #12,881, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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