signified

[ sig-nuh-fahyd ]

noun

, Semiotics.

1. the thing or concept denoted by an arrangement of sounds or symbols, an object, an action, etc., which constitutes a pattern or unit, and which communicates meaning. Compare signifier ( def 2 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of signified¹

First recorded in 1630–40; signify + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Remember when it signified an actual ... “madwoman”, in an actual ... “attic”?

From The Daily Beast

The Milton Ager and Jack Yellow song signified the end of a dark era in American history...and the start of something new.

From The Daily Beast

To them, that “signified a lack of recovery and inability to move on.”

From The Daily Beast

People wanted to know what she was wearing, not because it signified anything, but simply because it was on her back.

From The Daily Beast

Ruth could hardly face returning to America and the failure that would have signified.

From The Daily Beast

It signified that he had definitely given up pretending that he had the power of shaking off the obsession.

From Project Gutenberg

Without any training in or natural bent for diplomacy, Aguinaldo had not the faintest idea of what foreign “protection” signified.

From Project Gutenberg

Both signified his death, and the opening up thereby of a way of access to God.

From Project Gutenberg

This event, which would have meant so much to any other young man, signified little to Tchaikovsky.

From Project Gutenberg

Even Mr. Pizotti signified his satisfaction with the way in which the play proceeded.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hidden
• implicit
• indirect
• latent
• lurking
• tacit
• unspoken