The Signified

The signified is the underlying idea or concept that a word or symbol represents. For example, the word "dog" signifies the concept of a furry, four-legged animal that barks. It's the mental image or understanding that the word brings to mind. In semiotics, this contrasts with the signifier, which is the actual sound, written word, or image used to express the idea. Together, the signifier and signified form a sign, linking specific symbols to ideas and helping us communicate complex thoughts through language and symbols.