signification

Everyday

1. (formal) Signification is the meaning of a word, sign or symbol. tree →
2. (formal) Signification is the act of showing or signalling something. tree →

In the lessons

A rare and very stiff word, used in old books, language study and philosophy. It tells the reader about what a word or sign means. In everyday talk people say «meaning». Phrases: «the signification of a word», «true signification».

Examples

• The scholar explained the signification of the old word. tree →
• Each colour in the flag has its own signification. tree →
• In the old book, the signification of the dream was explained by a wise man. tree →
• Words can change their signification over hundreds of years. tree →
• The priest explained the signification of the candle at Easter. tree →
• He did not understand the full signification of the sign. tree →

Note

Formal and rare. Not the same as «significance» (importance), though related: both come from «signify» (to mean or show). Use «meaning» in normal writing.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Sefer Yetzirah's readers hold that each Hebrew letter is also a number, and that this number meaning is as vital as its sound. In the primary lessons: A rare and very stiff word, used in old books, language study and philosophy. It tells the reader about what a word or sign means. In everyday talk people say «meaning». Phrases: «the signification of a word», «true signification».

Examples

• tion of numbers and letters ; every letter suggesting a 'number, and every group of letters having a numerical signification, as vital as its literal meaning. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →

Note

Formal and rare. Not the same as «significance» (importance), though related: both come from «signify» (to mean or show). Use «meaning» in normal writing.