what is the difference between a sign and a symbol?

Question

i need exact definitions of both sign and symbol

i need exact definitions of both sign and symbol, is there a difference in the relationship of the signifier and the signified?

Answer 1

The American philosopher Charles Peirce characterized the difference between icon (i.e. sign)and symbol as follows:

An icon is a sign which refers to the object that it denotes merely by virtue of characteristics of its own.

A symbol is a sign which refers to the object that it denotes by virtue of a law, usually an association of general ideas, which operates to cause the symbol to be interpreted as referring to that object.[Buc55]
In other words, the drawing of an icon is similar to the shape of the object depicted and is thus instantly recognizable (see Figure 2.2). Symbols, on the other hand, may have no visible resemblance of the object at all. Their meaning has to be learned.
The meaning of an icon is more or less independent of the person interpreting it. Thus icons can be used for international communication. However there are limitations. First, only real objects can be represented by using icons. Concepts such as freedom, peace, and country, or feelings like love, anger, and sickness are invisible and cannot be iconized. Secondly, there are cultural dependencies which influence perception. An icon may have a different meaning in a different culture, because the context changed. It may even be unrecognizable.

Symbols are not restricted to objects and can represent complex meanings and ideas (see Figure 2.3). Though some symbols have become part of our culture (for instance the symbol of love), their meaning had to be learned first. Once the meaning is known symbols can be a very efficient way of communication. Well known systems of symbols are traffic signs, functions on a cassette, CD or video player, WC signs, and orientation signs in airports or railway stations.

A sign is a variable -- like a word, for example -- which stands for another variable or meaning. The word "door" is a sign; the actual physical object indicated by the word "door" is called the "signified." The difference between a sign and a symbol is that a sign and its signified enjoy a more specific relationship than that between a symbol and what it symbolizes. For example, the word door stands for a more narrow range of meanings than a symbol like the clock tower atop Bryan Hall, which, as a symbol of the university, can be called upon to have a much broader range of associations.

Answer 2

A sign is a representation of a statement, name or warning and, by and large fulfils the function outside language that a "sentence" has within language.

Whereas a symbol is a piece of percussion equipment

Answer 3

A sign gives you (visual) directions to actually do something. (IE STOP, Do Not Bend or Fold, Caution, etc.).

A symbol(causes thought processes), and represents a thought or shows you how to do something. (IE if you see the symbol TDDY, you know that the service is for the hearing impaired; if you see a silhouette of a manor woman outside a restroom door, your mind can identify which one you need to go into; the symbol + means to add, = means bring it to a conclusion or answer), etc.....

Answer 4

A sign is used for instructional purposes. A symbol is a representation of something.

Answer 5

A sign indicates something.
A symbol represents something.