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

X has now given gold or silver ticks to brands and official accounts to avoid them being confused with fakes after several, including the BBC, opted not to pay for them - effectively meaning blue ticks only signify that an account is paid-for.

From BBC

Many news media outlets and personalities have referred to the 2024 election as the “podcasters election” to signify the growing importance of podcasts in electoral politics.

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

Words that signify nothing beyond the fact that words themselves have finally failed.

From Slate

“Elective abortion” is not a medical term but one favored by the Catholic Church to signify abortions that cannot be performed in its hospitals, according to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, which is promulgated by the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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