signify

[sig-nuh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

signified, signifying 

1. to make known by signs, speech, or action.

   Synonyms: indicate, express, signal

2. to be a sign of; mean; portend.

   Synonyms: imply, betoken, denote, indicate, represent

verb (used without object)

signified, signifying 

1. to be of importance or consequence.

signify

/ ˈsɪɡnɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to indicate, show, or suggest

2. (tr) to imply or portend

   the clouds signified the coming storm

3. (tr) to stand as a symbol, sign, etc (for)

4. informal,  (intr) to be significant or important

Other Word Forms

• signifiable adjective
• unsignifiable adjective
• signifier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of signify¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English signifien, from Old French signifier, from Latin significāre “to make a sign, indicate, mention, denote”; equivalent to sign + -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of signify¹

C13: from Old French signifier, from Latin significāre, from signum a sign, mark + facere to make

Example Sentences

The Emcee’s funhouse reflection signifies not only how straight culture ogles the novelty of a newly surfaced queer society in Weimar Berlin but also how that queer community ogles at the novelty of itself.

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That moment in Northampton signified how far not only Hele has come, but South African women's rugby as a whole.

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It signified a rare shift in transfer policy.

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The two sides have an unresolved and long-standing territorial dispute – that signifies a much broader and deeper rivalry.

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Vatau's kick was greeted with huge celebrations from the players and supporters to signify their return on the biggest stage.

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Related Words

• add up to 
• bespeak 
• convey 
• imply 
• manifest 
• portend 
• proclaim 
• represent 
• spell 
• stand for 
• suggest 
• symbolize