According to Sāṁkhya school of thought a word signifies

CONCEPT

A word can be analysed through three levels of reference: the particular individual (vyakti), its perceptible form or configuration (akriti), and the universal class (jati). Different Indian schools assign word-signification to one or more of these levels.

The task is therefore to identify the combination attributed to the named school in the source examination, rather than merely define one term.

APPLICATION

In the Samkhya view, a word primarily refers to a particular individual. Therefore, among the offered values, Vyakti is the applicable answer.

CROSS-CHECK / CONTRAST

• Vyakti is the particular; this is the referent assigned to Samkhya in the standard classification.

• Akriti is form or configuration; the standard classification associates this view with the Jaina school.

• Jati is the universal or class; the standard classification associates this view with Mimamsa and Advaita.

• Vyakti–Akriti–Jati combines all three referents; the standard classification assigns this composite view to the old Nyaya school.

Result: Vyakti.