Signifier

A signifier is the physical form of a sign that conveys meaning, such as words, images, sounds, or symbols. It is the observable element that represents something else, called the signified. For example, the word "tree" (the signifier) points to the concept of a tree (the signified). In communication, signifiers are the tangible or perceivable parts through which meaning is transmitted. Understanding the relationship between signifiers and their meanings helps clarify how language, symbols, and signs function in conveying information across different contexts.