A denotation is the obvious meaning of the signifier or sign, compared to a connotation which is any other meaning that isn't that obvious. An example of this would be a 'tree'.Denotation: A tree is spelt T-R-E-E, it has a trunk and branches which grow leaves.
Connotation: A tree provides us with what we need to live, also meaning that a tree could represent life with the way it grows over time.
Signs and symbols can be anything from a word to an image. The can be split into two labels, the signifier; which is the physical form that can be seen or heard and there is what is signified, this is the meaning of the form. Signs and symbols are all down to interpretation and vary depending where you're from, how you were brought up, personal links or what has been directly taught, all of these factors can alter our understanding of signs.
Using the same example of the tree, in this instance the word 'tree' would be the signifier as it what is being seen or heard. The actual tree recognised which is pictured mentally is what is being signified as it is the concept behind the word.
Another example could be the word 'rose' being the signifier, whereas the actual rose is what is signified. However the words passion, death or love could also be what's signified as it is a connotation of the word 'rose'.
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