Referential or Analytical Definitions of Meaning

The essential characteristic of the referential approach is that it distinguishes between the three components closely connected with meaning

They are:

· the sound-form of the linguistic sign

· the concept underlying this sound-form

· the referent, i.e. the part or aspect of reality to which the linguistic sign refers

Functional or Contextual Definitions of Meaning

The functional approach to meaning maintains that the meaning of a linguistic unit can be studied only through its relation to other linguistic units.

According to the given approach the meanings of the words to move and movement are different because these word function in speech differently, i.e. occupy different positions in relation to other words.