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arbitrary symbol

a linguistic sign (a written or spoken word) that bears no obvious resemblance to the thing or concept signified (see referent). Because the vast majority of words in all languages are considered to fall into this category, arbitrariness is often cited as an important characteristic of human languages; this idea is of central significance in the structuralist approach to linguistics (see structuralism). Compare iconic symbol. See also phonetic symbolism.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

groupthink

groupthink

n. a strong concurrence-seeking tendency that interferes with effective group decision making. Symptoms include apparent unanimity, illusions of invulnerability and moral correctness, biased perceptions of the outgroup, interpersonal pressure, self-censorship, and defective decision-making strategies. Causes are thought to include group cohesion and isolation, poor leadership, and the stress involved in making decisions. [identified by Irving L. Janis]