In fact, Richards' proper meaning superstition stated the exact opposite. The proper meaning superstition states that there is a false belief that each word holds a specific, concise meaning that is generally understood by all. Richards maintained that meaning was created in each individual and it was a result and a collection of that individual's past experiences. As a result of the idea that no two individuals are alike, no two meanings can be the for any given word. I. A. Richards utilized these distinctions to emphasize his idea of meaning within individuals not in words.
Signs are natural representations of something beyond themselves.
An example of a sign would be a barking sound. When one hears this, they immediately associate the sound with a dog. This natural association draws meaning between signs and actual objects. On the other hand, there are symbols. Symbols are a specialized, limited type of sign.