signify

[ sig-nuh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, sig·ni·fied, sig·ni·fy·ing.

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)

, sig·ni·fied, sig·ni·fy·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈsigniˌfier, noun
• ˈsigniˌfiable, adjective

Other Words From

• signi·fia·ble adjective
• un·signi·fia·ble adjective

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

This shift signifies a growing recognition of podcasters as important figures in the political media landscape.

From Salon

Thanks to the internet, its reputation transcends L.A. and has come to signify luxury eating nationwide.

From Los Angeles Times

Was there a particular moment you recall that sort of signified or crystallized your departure or transition from academia and legitimately pursuing cooking and the restaurant industry?

From Salon

“To me, that’s the difference between mainstream consumer goods versus luxury goods. The cleats signified something that I wanted to be a part of.”

From Los Angeles Times

They are believed to have coloured their homes, mosques and even public offices in a rinse of blue, considered a divine hue in Judaism, signifying the holy skies.

From BBC

Related Words

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