signified: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Academic
Quick answer
What does “signified” mean?
The concept or meaning expressed by a word, linguistic sign, or symbol, as opposed to its physical form (the signifier).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The concept or meaning expressed by a word, linguistic sign, or symbol, as opposed to its physical form (the signifier).
In a broader sense, the idea, object, or state of affairs that is represented or pointed to by any sign, signal, or gesture. Also used as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'to signify'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. As a linguistics term, it is used identically. As the past tense verb, 'signified' is standard in both.
Connotations
Neutral/technical in both varieties.
Frequency
The noun is low-frequency in both, confined to academic/specialist discourse. The verb form is moderately common.
Grammar
How to Use “signified” in a Sentence
The signified is inherently linked to the signifier.X signifies Y.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “signified” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The dark clouds signified the approaching storm.
- His silence was taken to signify consent.
American English
- The asterisk on the form signified a required field.
- Her early arrival signified her eagerness.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival use]
American English
- [No standard adjectival use]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except perhaps in marketing semiotics (e.g., 'The brand's signified is luxury').
Academic
Common in linguistics, semiotics, literary theory, and cultural studies.
Everyday
Virtually unused as a noun. The past tense verb is used (e.g., 'His nod signified agreement').
Technical
Core terminology in semiotics and structuralist analysis.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “signified”
- Using 'signified' as a noun in casual conversation.
- Confusing 'signified' (the concept) with 'signifier' (the form).
- Pronouncing it as /saɪnɪfaɪd/ (like 'sigh').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun from linguistics, it's specialised and not common in everyday speech. Its most frequent use is as the past tense of the verb 'signify'.
In general use, they can be synonyms. In technical semiotics, 'signified' is more precise, referring specifically to the conceptual half of a sign, which is paired with a 'signifier'. 'Meaning' is a broader, more general term.
No, in Saussurean theory, a sign is a union of both. A concept only becomes a 'signified' when it is linked to a 'signifier' to form a complete sign.
It is the regular past tense and past participle of 'signify', meaning 'to be a sign of; to indicate'. E.g., 'The date on the document signified when it was created.'
The concept or meaning expressed by a word, linguistic sign, or symbol, as opposed to its physical form (the signifier).
Signified is usually formal/academic in register.
Signified: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪɡ.nɪ.faɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪɡ.nə.faɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for the noun form]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SIGN-I-FIED. The 'I' (idea) inside the SIGN has been FIXED or defined. The signifier is the vehicle; the signified is the passenger (the meaning) inside.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEANING IS A DESTINATION (the signifier points to it). LANGUAGE IS A CODE (the signified is the decoded message).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best illustrates the 'signified' in a linguistic sign?