what is the difference between the signifier and the signified?

The signifier and the signified are terms in media which refer to semiotic coding. The signifier is the object, the word, the image or action. the signified is the concept behind the object that is being represented. For example, the cross symbol is a signifier on a simple basis because it is two lines crossed over one another. but the Chrsitian faith and the morals that come with it are the signified.