signifier Definition
a sound, word, or image that represents a concept or object, especially one that is not explicitly named or described.
Using signifier: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "signifier" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The signifier 'rose' represents the concept of love.
Example
In semiotics, a signifier is a unit of meaning in a language or symbol system.
Example
The color red can be a signifier of danger or passion.
signifier Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for signifier
Phrases with signifier
empty signifier
a signifier that lacks a clear or stable referent, such as a word or phrase that has lost its original meaning or significance
Example
The term 'freedom' has become an empty signifier in political discourse.
a signifier that can be attached to any number of different meanings or concepts, often used in postmodernist theory
Example
The term 'culture' is a floating signifier that can mean many different things depending on the context.
a signifier that holds a dominant or privileged position within a particular system of meaning, often used in psychoanalytic theory
Example
The concept of 'God' can be seen as a master signifier in many religious traditions.
Summary: signifier in Brief
A 'signifier' [ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪə(r)] is a sound, word, or image that represents a concept or object, especially one that is not explicitly named or described. It is a unit of meaning in a language or symbol system, and can be used to convey ideas or emotions. Examples include 'The signifier 'rose' represents the concept of love.' and 'The color red can be a signifier of danger or passion.' 'Signifier' extends into phrases like 'empty signifier,' which lacks a clear referent, and 'master signifier,' which holds a dominant position in a system of meaning.
