arbitrariness of the sign

is the organizing principle for the whole of linguistics. The most important of these consequences is what is not arbitrary about the signifier, but is necessary in order that it have meaning: The differences that distinguish it from all other signifiers in the linguistic system.

This principle of arbitrariness 'is the organizing principle for the whole of linguistics [and] the consequences which flow from this principle are innumerable' (68). However, the most important of these consequences is what is not arbitrary about the signifier, but is necessary in order that it have meaning: the differences that distinguish it from all other signifiers in the linguistic system.

arbitrariness of the sign, n.All

arbitrariness of the sign