semeion
- noun
- /səˈmeɪ.ɪˌɒn/
- Archaic
:
signo
- Aristotle initiated a long discussion when he wrote, "that which coexists with something else, or before or after whose happening something else has happened, is a sign (semeion) of that something's having happened or being." "Signs" became "natural signs," contrasted with the "conventional signs" of language (Peirce's "symbols").
Examples
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In ancient Greek philosophy, a semeion often represents a deeper truth or insight.
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In literature, a semeion can serve as a powerful tool to convey complex themes and ideas.
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Following the Book of Nature and the Scriptures, the image is organized around a miraculous double apparition, a double sign, or a double semeion, to use the Johannine term associated with the exegetical tradition.
Academic text (2006) -
The philosopher used a semeion to illustrate his theory of knowledge through symbolic representation.
Synonyms
73
2.7
A mark, like a letter, that stands for something
1
9.9
A mark used in books and music to show meaning or special instructions
How Symbolic
Surface Forms
Etymology
Semeion comes from Greek semeion, which means 'sign'. In old Greek writing and thought it named a symbol or mark that points to an idea, so a semeion is a sign or symbol used to show meaning.