Signification
/ˌsɪɡ.nɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/noun
The meaning or significance conveyed by a word, symbol, action, or expression.
Did you know?In medieval philosophy and grammar, signification was treated as the power of words and symbols to point the mind toward something beyond themselves.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sek-
“To cut or mark; the ancient root associated with making an identifying mark”
Ancient Latin
Latin
signum
“A mark, token, signal, military standard, or omen”
Classical Latin
Latin
significare
“To indicate, make known, or communicate by a sign”
Late Latin
Latin
significatio
“An indication, expression, meaning, or explanation”
12th–13th Century
Old French
signification
“Meaning, sense, or interpretation”
Middle English
English
significacioun
“Meaning, significance, or the act of indicating”
Modern English
English
signification
“The meaning or significance conveyed by a sign, word, or expression”