signification: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “signification” mean?
The specific meaning or sense of a word, sign, or symbol.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The specific meaning or sense of a word, sign, or symbol; the idea represented.
The act of signifying or indicating something; the importance or implications of a concept beyond its literal definition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. Slightly more prevalent in British academic writing.
Connotations
Conveys precision and technicality in both varieties. Can sound pedantic in casual conversation.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly higher in UK academic corpuses (philosophy, linguistics).
Grammar
How to Use “signification” in a Sentence
the signification of [noun phrase]to attach a signification to [something]to carry a signification of [abstract noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “signification” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To signify (verb) is to convey a particular signification (noun).
American English
- A gesture can signify, or carry, a cultural signification.
adverb
British English
- The term was used significatively in the medieval text.
American English
- He nodded significatively, implying a deeper meaning.
adjective
British English
- The significatory power of the symbol was analysed.
- A significant (adj.) event has great importance, not a clear 'signification'.
American English
- Her study focused on the significative elements of the ritual.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in high-level strategy discussions about brand meaning.
Academic
Common in linguistics, semiotics, literary theory, and philosophy to discuss precise meaning.
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound overly formal.
Technical
Core term in semiotics (Saussurean tradition) for the concept a signifier points to.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “signification”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “signification”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “signification”
- Using it as a fancy synonym for 'importance' (e.g., 'the signification of this meeting' – incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'significance' (which is about importance, not semantic meaning).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Signification' is more precise and technical, often referring to the specific concept attached to a sign. 'Meaning' is broader and more general.
No, it's a formal, academic word. In everyday speech, people use 'meaning'.
No. 'Signification' is about semantic meaning. 'Significance' is about importance or consequence.
It is exclusively a noun.
The specific meaning or sense of a word, sign, or symbol.
Signification is usually formal, academic in register.
Signification: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪɡ.nɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪɡ.nə.fəˈkeɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none in common usage]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SIGN-ification' – it's what makes a SIGN significant; it's the IDEA the sign points to.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEANING IS A TARGET (the signification is what a word aims at).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'signification' a core technical term?