A term often used to denote a conventional sign (for example, a sign based on a convention or established use). But this term also refers to many other types of signs.
For Ferdinand de Saussure, a symbol is a sign in which the relationship between signifier and signified is to some extent motivated (ie, non-relative). In Charles S. Peirce’s in-depth classification, the symbol is almost the opposite. Peirce defines the symbol as part of the trichotomy: the iconic sign, the index sign, and the symbol. This trichotomy is based on the relationship between the sign carrier and its object.
If the sign vehicle refers to its object by a resemblance to this object (for example, the geographical map to the territory marked on it), the sign is iconic.
If it refers to its object through an actual or physical connection (for example, the direction of the wind vane to the wind direction indicated by the wind vane), it is called an index sign.
If it refers to its object through habit or convention (for example, a red rose as a symbol of love excitement), this sign is a symbol.
Another important meaning of the symbol is that it participates in the object or person it symbolizes. In addition, this type of sign encourages endless interpretations, ie its potential meanings are inexhaustible.
