Significance vs Signification: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to language, words can often be confusing, especially when two words seem to have similar meanings. Such is the case with significance and signification. While they may have some overlap in meaning, they are not interchangeable. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and their significance (pun intended) in language.

We should define the terms. Significance refers to the importance or meaning of something. It is often used to describe the impact or relevance of an event, object, or idea. Signification, on the other hand, refers to the act of giving meaning or significance to something. It is the process of assigning meaning or interpreting something in a particular way.

While these two words are related, they have distinct meanings and uses. Understanding the difference between them can help us communicate more effectively and avoid confusion.

Define Significance

Significance refers to the importance or meaning of something. It is the quality of being notable or worthy of attention. In statistics, significance is often used to determine whether a result is meaningful or just due to chance. For example, a scientific study may find that a new drug reduces the symptoms of a disease by 10%. However, if the sample size is small, this result may not be significant and could just be due to random variation.

Significance can also refer to the impact or influence of something. For example, a historical event may have significant consequences that shape the course of future events. In this sense, significance is often subjective and depends on the context and perspective of the observer.

Define Signification

Signification refers to the process of assigning meaning or significance to something. It is the act of interpreting or understanding the meaning of a sign or symbol. In linguistics, signification is the relationship between a sign (such as a word or gesture) and its meaning.

Signification can also refer to the cultural or social meaning of something. For example, a particular color may have different significations in different cultures or contexts. In this sense, signification is often influenced by social norms, values, and beliefs.

Comparison of Significance and Signification

Significance	Signification
Refers to importance or meaning of something	Refers to process of assigning meaning or significance to something
Objective and often determined by statistical analysis	Subjective and influenced by cultural and social factors
May be used to determine whether a result is meaningful or just due to chance	May be used to understand the cultural or social meaning of a sign or symbol

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct word in a sentence can make all the difference in how your message is received. In this section, we will discuss the proper usage of the words “significance” and “signification” to help you communicate more effectively.

How To Use “Significance” In A Sentence

“Significance” is a noun that refers to the importance or meaning of something. Here are some examples of how to use “significance” in a sentence:

• The significance of this discovery cannot be overstated.
• The significance of the event was not lost on the attendees.
• He failed to grasp the significance of the situation.

Note that “significance” is often used in conjunction with “of” to indicate what the importance or meaning is related to.

How To Use “Signification” In A Sentence

“Signification” is a noun that refers to the act of giving meaning or significance to something. Here are some examples of how to use “signification” in a sentence:

• The signification of this symbol varies depending on the culture.
• The signification of the word has changed over time.
• She was tasked with determining the signification of the ancient text.

Note that “signification” is often used to refer to the process of assigning meaning or significance, rather than the meaning or significance itself.

More Examples Of Significance & Signification Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between significance and signification, it is important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of using significance in a sentence:

• The significance of the discovery cannot be overstated.
• Her actions had great significance for the future of the company.
• The significance of the event was lost on the younger generation.
• The significance of his words was not lost on me.
• The significance of the study was immediately apparent.
• The significance of the moment was not lost on anyone in the room.
• The significance of the decision was clear to everyone involved.
• The significance of the project was recognized by all who worked on it.
• The significance of the painting was not immediately apparent to the casual observer.
• The significance of the book was not fully appreciated until years after its publication.

Now, let’s take a look at some examples of using signification in a sentence:

• The signification of the word was not immediately clear to me.
• The signification of the symbol was lost on most of the audience.
• The signification of the gesture was not understood by the foreign visitors.
• The signification of the phrase was not immediately apparent.
• The signification of the ritual was not fully understood by the outsiders.
• The signification of the colors used in the painting was debated by art critics.
• The signification of the numbers in the code was not immediately apparent.
• The signification of the dream was analyzed by a psychologist.
• The signification of the metaphor was not fully appreciated until explained by the author.
• The signification of the song lyrics was debated by music critics.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to writing, it’s important to use the correct terminology to convey your message accurately. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “significance” and “signification.” However, they have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words incorrectly:

Using “Significance” When “Signification” Is Intended

One common mistake is using “significance” when “signification” is intended. “Significance” refers to the importance or meaning of something, while “signification” refers to the act of giving meaning or significance to something. For example:

• Incorrect: The sign’s significance was clear to everyone.
• Correct: The sign’s signification was clear to everyone.

Using “Signification” When “Significance” Is Intended

Another common mistake is using “signification” when “significance” is intended. This mistake can lead to confusion or ambiguity in your writing. For example:

• Incorrect: The significance of the word was lost in translation.
• Correct: The signification of the word was lost in translation.

Offering Incorrect Definitions

Finally, some people may offer incorrect definitions for these words, leading to further confusion. It’s important to understand the correct meanings of these words to avoid making this mistake.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s essential to understand the difference between “significance” and “signification.” Here are some tips:

• Use a dictionary or thesaurus to check the definitions of these words before using them in your writing.
• Read your writing aloud to check for any instances where you may have used these words incorrectly.
• Practice using these words in context to reinforce their correct usage.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between significance and signification, the context in which they are used plays a crucial role. The two terms may seem interchangeable, but they have distinct meanings and implications depending on the situation.

Significance Vs Signification

Before delving into the significance of context, it is essential to understand the difference between significance and signification. Significance refers to the importance or meaning of something, while signification is the act of assigning meaning to something.

For instance, a red traffic light has the signification of “stop” because we have assigned that meaning to it. However, the significance of stopping at a red light is that it prevents accidents and ensures the safety of drivers and pedestrians.

Contextual Factors

The choice between significance and signification can be influenced by various contextual factors, such as:

• The field of study
• The audience
• The purpose of communication
• The cultural background

Let’s take the example of a scientific paper. In this context, significance would be more appropriate than signification because the focus is on the importance and impact of the research findings. On the other hand, in a literature review, signification would be more relevant as the goal is to analyze and interpret the meaning of the texts.

Similarly, the choice between significance and signification can vary depending on the target audience. A technical report aimed at experts in a particular field may require the use of significance to convey the importance of the research, while a blog post intended for a general audience may use signification to explain the meaning of a concept in simpler terms.

Context matters when it comes to choosing between significance and signification. The decision should be based on the specific situation, including the field of study, the audience, the purpose of communication, and the cultural background. By understanding the nuances of these terms and their implications, writers can effectively convey their message and achieve their desired outcome.

Exceptions To The Rules

Identifying Exceptions

While the rules for using significance and signification are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. In certain contexts, the use of these terms may not follow the standard guidelines.

One exception to the rules occurs in the field of semiotics, where signification is used to refer specifically to the process of creating meaning through signs and symbols. In this context, significance may be used to describe the importance or relevance of a particular sign or symbol within a larger system of meaning.

Another exception can be found in statistical analysis, where significance is used to refer to the probability that a result occurred by chance. In this context, signification may be used to describe the meaning or implications of a particular statistical finding.

Examples Of Exceptions

To illustrate these exceptions, consider the following examples:

Context	Term Usage
Semiotics	“The signification of the red octagon as a stop sign is widely recognized.”
Statistics	“The finding was statistically significant at the p

In both of these cases, the use of significance and signification deviates from the standard guidelines. However, within the specific fields of semiotics and statistics, these terms have established meanings and uses that differ from their more general definitions.

Practice Exercises

Now that you understand the difference between significance and signification, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these terms:

Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word (significance or signification) to complete each sentence:

Sentence	Correct Word
1. The __________ of the study was not immediately apparent.	significance
2. The __________ of the word changed over time.	signification
3. The __________ of the statue was lost over the years.	significance
4. The __________ of the gesture was not understood by everyone.	signification
5. The __________ of the painting was debated by art critics.	significance

Answer Key:

• 1. significance
• 2. signification
• 3. significance
• 4. signification
• 5. significance

Exercise 2: Write Your Own Sentences

Write five sentences using either significance or signification. Then, exchange your sentences with a partner and have them identify which word you used in each sentence.

Answer Key:

Answers will vary, but should use either significance or signification correctly in context.

By practicing these exercises, you’ll improve your ability to use significance and signification correctly and effectively in your writing. Keep in mind that understanding the difference between these terms can add depth and nuance to your language, and help you communicate more clearly and precisely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between significance and signification is crucial for effective communication and writing. Significance refers to the importance or meaning of something, while signification refers to the act of creating meaning through language.

By using these terms correctly, writers can avoid confusion and ensure that their message is clear and accurate. It is also important to note that context plays a significant role in determining the appropriate use of these terms, as well as other grammatical and linguistic concepts.

Key Takeaways:

• Significance refers to the importance or meaning of something.
• Signification refers to the act of creating meaning through language.
• Understanding the difference between these terms is crucial for effective communication and writing.
• Context plays a significant role in determining the appropriate use of these terms.

Overall, developing a strong understanding of grammar and language use is an ongoing process, and there is always more to learn. By continuing to study and practice these concepts, writers can improve their skills and create more effective and impactful content.