significs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency)Highly Formal, Academic, Historical (Philosophy of Language, Linguistics)
Quick answer
What does “significs” mean?
The study of meaning, especially the relationship between signs, symbols, and what they signify.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The study of meaning, especially the relationship between signs, symbols, and what they signify; an early approach to semantics.
A philosophical discipline, developed in the early 20th century, concerned with the role of signs and meaning in communication, often overlapping with semiotics and philosophy of language. It can also refer to the significance or importance of something in a broader sense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major usage differences. The term originated with a British scholar (Lady Welby) and is equally rare in both varieties. Academic philosophy departments in both regions would be its primary domain.
Connotations
Connotes historical depth and specific philosophical tradition. Using it outside this context might be seen as highly pretentious or obscure.
Frequency
Extremely low in both varieties. Likely only encountered in specific academic texts on the history of linguistics or philosophy of language.
Grammar
How to Use “significs” in a Sentence
[NP] deals with significs[NP] is a branch of significsthe theory/project/field of significs[NP]'s contribution to significsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “significs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A (primarily a noun)
American English
- N/A (primarily a noun)
adverb
British English
- N/A (no standard adverbial form)
American English
- N/A (no standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- Her significs-oriented research predated modern semiotics.
- He took a significs approach to the problem of reference.
American English
- She authored a paper on significs theory.
- The conference featured a panel on significs philosophy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in specialised papers or historical overviews in linguistics, semiotics, or philosophy.
Everyday
Not used. Would likely cause confusion.
Technical
Used as a historical technical term for an early semantic/semiotic theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “significs”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “significs”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “significs”
- Using it as a synonym for 'significance' in everyday contexts (e.g., 'The significs of this discovery is great').
- Assuming it is a common term in modern linguistics. It is largely historical.
- Confusing it with 'semiotics' without the historical nuance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not exactly. Significs is a specific historical theory developed by Victoria Lady Welby that was a precursor and influence on modern semiotics and semantics. Semiotics is the broader, contemporary study of signs and sign processes.
No, you should not. 'Significs' is a proper noun for a specific academic theory. Using it to mean 'importance' or 'significance' is incorrect and will confuse listeners or readers.
Dictionaries include historical and highly specialised terms to provide a complete record of the language, especially those that have contributed to the development of academic fields like linguistics and philosophy.
Yes, but it is not directly related as a derivation. 'To signify' (to mean, to indicate) is a common verb. 'Significs' is a noun derived from a different root, naming a field of study, not an action.
The study of meaning, especially the relationship between signs, symbols, and what they signify.
Significs is usually highly formal, academic, historical (philosophy of language, linguistics) in register.
Significs: in British English it is pronounced /sɪɡˈnɪfɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪɡˈnɪfɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(no common idioms)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SIGN-I-FIX': It's a theory that tries to *fix* or explain the meaning of *signs*.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEANING IS A MAP (significs attempts to chart the territory between signs and their referents).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the term 'significs'?