Persuasion

or semiology, is the study of signs, symbols, and signification. It is the study of how meaning is created, not what it is. Below are some brief definitions of semiotic terms, beginning with the smallest unit of meaning and proceeding towards the larger and more complex:

an acoustic image (the ‘signifiant’, or signifier); literal meaning ex. red apple

A concept (the ‘signifié’, or signified) abstract meaning ex. forbidden fruit and lust

a clear representation of the object itself, keeping its characteristics. There’s no distinction between the icon and the real object. Examples are: photos, drawings, imitations, onomatopoeias and others.