Signification Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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signification
[ˌsɪɡnɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ]
Definition
meaning, significance
Signification refers to the meaning or significance of something, especially in terms of language and symbols. It is commonly used in linguistics and semiotics to describe how signs convey meaning. The term emphasizes the relationship between a sign and what it represents.
Synonyms
connotation, implication, meaning, significance.
Examples of usage
- The signification of a word can change over time.
- Cultural context influences the signification of certain symbols.
- In philosophy, signification is crucial for understanding language.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'signification'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'signification' originates from the Latin word 'significatio', which means 'to signify' or 'to indicate'. The roots of this word can be traced back to the Latin 'significare', where 'signum' means 'sign' and 'facere' means 'to make'. This etymological history highlights the connection between signs and the meanings they convey. The term became more prominent in the fields of linguistics and philosophy during the late Middle Ages, as scholars began to analyze the relationship between language and meaning. In modern usage, signification is often explored in semiotics, which studies the way signs and symbols function within society.