Definition and Use
Meaning of Signifier
The French verb signifier means to mean, to signify, or to indicate. It is used to express the meaning or significance of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol. It conveys what something represents or stands for semantically or conceptually.
Common contexts using Signifier
Signifier is commonly used when discussing language, symbols, and communication. It appears in contexts where one explains what words, gestures, signs, or elements mean to someone or what they signify. For example, in interpreting texts, explaining meanings, or clarifying signs.
Synonyms and related verbs
Related verbs include indiquer (to indicate), montrer (to show), and représenter (to represent). These verbs overlap somewhat but emphasize slightly different aspects: indiquer relates more to pointing out or showing explicitly, montrer to showing visually, and représenter to symbolizing or standing for something.
Summary:
- Signifier = to mean, to signify
- Used for meaning of words, signs, symbols
- Related: indiquer, montrer, représenter
Conjugation Patterns
Present tense forms
Signifier is a regular -er verb. Present tense conjugation:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | je signifie | nous signifiions |
| 2nd | tu signifies | vous signifiez |
| 3rd | il/elle signifie | ils/elles signifient |
Past tense forms
The past participle is signifié. The passé composé uses avoir as the auxiliary:
- J'ai signifié (I have meant/indicated)
- Tu as signifié
- Il a signifié
Imperfect is regular for -er verbs: signifiais, signifiait, etc.
Future and conditional forms
Future tense (regular -er conjugation):
- Je signifierai (I will mean)
- Tu signifieras
- Il signifiera
Conditional (future stem + imperfect endings):
- Je signifierais (I would mean)
Summary:
- Regular -er verb conjugation
- Passé composé with avoir + signifié
- Present, future, conditional all regular forms
Sentence Structure
Typical sentence placement
Signifier functions as a transitive verb taking a direct object indicating what is meant or signified.
Example: Ce mot signifie la joie. (This word means joy.)
Verbal complements
Complements often include nouns or clauses explaining the meaning:
- signifier quelque chose (to mean something)
- signifier que + clause (to mean that ...)
Examples with direct and indirect objects
- Le panneau signifie l'interdiction de passer. (The sign means no entry.)
- Cette phrase signifie que tu dois partir. (This sentence means that you have to leave.)
Summary:
- Direct object usually follows (what is meant)
- Can be followed by noun or que clause
Related Expressions
Common idiomatic expressions
Common phrases involve clarifying meaning or consequence, e.g.:
- Qu'est-ce que ça signifie ? (What does that mean?)
- Cela ne signifie rien. (That means nothing.)
Phrases conveying abstract meanings
Signifier may be used in more abstract, figurative usages, for example in philosophy or literature about meaning and signification.
Use in formal vs informal language
It is common in both formal and informal contexts but more frequent in written, academic, or interpretive speech than in casual everyday conversation.
Comparison with Similar Verbs
Signifier vs Indiquer
- Signifier focuses on meaning or significance.
- Indiquer emphasizes pointing out or indicating something specific or factual.
Example:
- Le mot signifie une idée. (The word means an idea.)
- La flèche indique la direction. (The arrow indicates the direction.)
Signifier vs Montrer
- Montrer means to show visually or physically.
- Signifier means to mean or signify conceptually.
Signifier vs Représenter
- Représenter means to represent or stand for something symbolically.
- Signifier stresses the meaning or semantic content.
Summary:
| Verb | Focus | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Signifier | Meaning, significance | Ce mot signifie une idée. |
| Indiquer | Indicating, pointing out | Ce panneau indique l’arrêt. |
| Montrer | Showing visually | Elle montre une photo. |
| Représenter | Representing, symbolizing | Le drapeau représente la nation. |
Grammar Notes
Agreement and auxiliary verbs
- Signifier conjugates with avoir in compound tenses.
- Past participle: signifié (no agreement unless used as adjective).
Usage in questions and negations
- Questions: Que signifie ce mot ? (What does this word mean?)
- Negation: Cela ne signifie rien. (That means nothing.)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing signifier with verbs like dire (to say) or montrer (to show).
- Incorrect auxiliary verb (être instead of avoir).
- Misplacement of objects or clauses.
Cultural and Linguistic Notes
Usage in literary texts
Signifier is often found in literary, philosophical, or linguistic texts discussing semiotics, meanings, or interpretations.
Meaning variations by region
The meaning is generally consistent in French-speaking regions.
Historical evolution of the verb
From Latin significare, related to the noun signum (sign), the verb has evolved to emphasize expressing meaning or significance.
Practice and Examples
Sample sentences with translations
- Cette couleur signifie la paix. – This color means peace.
- Ses paroles signifient beaucoup pour moi. – His words mean a lot to me.
- Le symbole signifie que c’est dangereux. – The symbol means that it is dangerous.
Exercises for learners
Question: What does signifier mean?
- A) To show physically
- B) To mean or signify
- C) To indicate direction
Answer: B) To mean or signify
Question: Choose the correct sentence.
- 1) Le panneau signifie la sortie.
- 2) Le panneau montre la sortie.
- 3) Le panneau signifie la porte fermée.
Correct: 1 and 3 (both can be correct depending on meaning), but 2 focuses on physical showing.
Tips for remembering usage
Think of signifier as "sign" + "ifier" — to make a sign or show what something signifies or means.
Additional Resources
Related verbs to explore
- indiquer (to indicate)
- montrer (to show)
- représenter (to represent)
Word spaces with Signifier
Explore contrasts like:
- Signifier vs Indiquer for meaning vs indication
- Montrer vs Signifier for physical showing vs conceptual meaning
Links to lessons on verbs and meanings
See more verbs about communication and meaning in French important verbs resources and word spaces sections.
References
- <{ type: "web-reference", title: "Signifier: to mean", url: "/french/important-verbs/signifier-to-mean", published: "2024-06" }>
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