signification
/si.ɲi.fi.ka.sjɔ̃/
The French word for the English "meaning" (in the sense of a definition or connotation) is signification.
signification is used to refer to the formal definition or connotation of a word.
Meaning: definition or connotation of a word (noun)
Which one should you use?
While signification refers to the formal definition or connotation, sens is the much more common word used to express the general meaning or direction of something.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of signification is significations.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has five syllables: /si.ɲi.fi.ka.sjɔ̃/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use signification when they actually mean sens (the sense or meaning of a sentence), as signification sounds more like the English 'signification' but is used more narrowly in French for formal definitions.
Did you know?
- In legal or official French, signification can refer to the formal act of delivering a legal notice or summons to a person.
- While signification refers to a formal definition, the more common word sens literally means 'sense' or 'direction'. In French, the 'meaning' of a sentence and the 'direction' of a street use the exact same word.
- Because sens refers to both meaning and the five senses, a French speaker can use the same root to discuss the 'meaning' of a word and the 'sense' of smell.
Examples in context
- La signification ne change pas.The meaning doesn't change.This sentence demonstrates how to say that a meaning does not change using signification.Tatoeba #11341360 by lbdx, translation #11327841 by sundown
- Aucun rêve n'a de signification.No dream has meaning.This sentence shows how to express that a dream lacks meaning using signification.Tatoeba #7839603 by sacredceltic, translation #5237053 by mailohilohi
- Chaque couleur a une signification.Every colour has a meaning.This sentence illustrates how to say that every color has a meaning using signification.Tatoeba #11954519 by lbdx, translation #2659524 by BE
- Quel est le sens de cette phrase ?What is the meaning of this sentence?
- Expliquez-moi la signification de ce motExplain the meaning of this word to me
- Pouvez-vous me donner la définition de ce terme ?Can you give me the meaning of this term?
- C'est quoi le sens de cette phrase ?What's the meaning of this sentence?
- Pouvez-vous m'expliquer le sens de cette citation ?Can you explain the meaning of this quote?
- Bien sûr, le sens de cette citation est lié à la liberté de pensée.Of course, the meaning of this quote is related to freedom of thought.
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are studying a foreign language together.
- EmmaQuelle est la signification de ce mot ?What is the meaning of this word?
- NathanJe ne sais pas, Nathan ne sait pas non plus.I don't know, Nathan doesn't know either.
- EmmaRegardons dans le dictionnaire pour trouver la signification.Let's look in the dictionary to find the meaning.
- NathanBonne idée, Emma, cherchons ensemble.Good idea, Emma, let's look together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry signification, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
