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. They are different because symbols are conventional, rather than natural, representations of an object beyond themselves. They hold absolutely no meaning because they do not directly link to the object they represent.
Words are symbols.
The Semantic Triangle further illustrates the ideas of signs and symbols by expanding its focus to include the component of thought. This new component of reference plays the most crucial role within the Semantic Triangle. The reference is the meaning that an individual assigns to a word. This meaning, then, presents a mental image or a referent. When the individual is sending a message, they develop a referent, assign meaning, reference, and then they communicate a word.