signifier

CEFRA2

/ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪɚ/

noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    A sign, word, or image that represents an idea.

  2. 02

    noun

    Extra detail

    A sign, such as a written or spoken word, which refers to some concept, object or person, the signified.

Examples

  • The signifier is not identical to the signified.

  • Here things are getting better and better for women and people of color, and gay men and lesbians, more and more integrated and open, and all you can think about is some stupid, lame problem with signifiers and signifieds.

At a glance

Sits at A2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
4
Parts of speech
1
Citations
2
Synonyms
1

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meanings

  1. Something or someone that signifies, makes something more significant or important.

  2. A card representing a querent, question, or situation.

More examples

In context

  • If commentators have concurred on the characterization of Reagan as a synecdoche, they have also noted his status as a signifier.

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

According to Saussure, the blank is the physical form of a sign, such as a word or image.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

noun

From signify + -er.