"Meaning is what essence becomes when it is divorced from the object of reference and wedded to the word"

This quote by Willard Van Orman Quine speaks with the idea that significance is produced when an object of reference is linked to a word. In other words, significance is developed when a things is offered a label. This label can be a word, expression, or symbol that is used to represent the item. For example, the word "pet dog" is utilized to represent a four-legged animal with fur. The word "canine" is separated from the things of reference, but it is wedded to the word, producing a significance. This quote suggests that meaning is developed when an object is provided a label, which this label is what gives the object its essence. In this way, significance is developed when a things is connected to a word.