Definition

A concept or meaning that is represented by a sign, separate from the sign itself.

Example

In linguistics, the signified refers to the idea or concept that a word represents.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about what the signified really means in linguistics?

Not really, but it sounds interesting!

It’s basically the concept that a sign represents, which is pretty cool.

That makes sense! I guess it helps us understand communication better.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Signified → It is formed from "sign" (from Latin "signum", meaning mark or indication) and "-ified" (from Latin "-ificare", meaning to make or to cause). The word "signified" means to have made something known or indicated through a mark or sign.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'sign' as a mark that indicates something, and '-ified' means to make it known. So, when something is signified, it means it has been made known through a sign.

Visually Confused Words