Question

The signified refers to:

• A. The structure of the word
• B. The concept or idea
• C. The phonetics of the word
• D. The usage of the word

Answer 1

Answer:

B. The concept or idea

The Signified (Signifié):

• The mental concept or idea associated with the signifier. For example, the mental image or idea of a tree.

• The signified is the mental concept or meaning associated with the signifier.

• It is not the physical object itself but the idea or mental image that the signifier evokes.

Characteristics:

• The signified varies slightly from person to person and culture to culture, depending on shared experiences and interpretations.

• It exists in the mind and is influenced by the linguistic and cultural system of the speaker.

Example:

The idea of a "tree" with branches, leaves, and roots is the signified.