 Signified and signifier

The concepts of "signified" and "signifier" are fundamental components of semiotics, the study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation. These terms were notably defined by the Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure in his work on structural linguistics. 1. **Signifier**: This refers to the physical form of a sign, which can be a word, image, sound, or other representation. Essentially, it is the "form" that the sign takes.