WordGarden.iosignify
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɪɡnɪfˌaɪ/
US
- /ˈsɪɡnəˌfaɪ/
Meanings
Verb
to mean, represent, or convey a particular idea
to indicate or show that something is true, present, or likely
to matter or be important
More meaningsFewer meanings
(slang)in Black vernacular use, to engage in indirect mocking, verbal play, or boastful teasing
Beyond the definition
To signify something is to be a sign of it, to point to it, or to carry a clear meaning. A red sky at night might signify good weather tomorrow, and a clenched fist can signify anger. It is more than just having a meaning; it suggests that one thing stands for another. Think of flags: they signify nations, beliefs, or even warnings.
You might say someone's silence signifies agreement, or a gift signifies affection. The word is often used when something shows an idea or feeling beyond its literal form. A change in policy can signify a shift in priorities, showing where the focus now lies.
The word signify means to be a sign of something, to indicate or suggest it, or to have a particular meaning. It is a little richer than simply "to mean" because it often suggests that one thing acts as a sign or representative of another. For example: "The rising smoke signified the start of the festival," where the smoke was not just smoke, but a signal.
Signify can be used in various contexts. In literature or art, symbols signify deeper themes and ideas. A dove might signify peace, while a storm could signify turmoil. It's also common in legal or official language: "The signature signifies acceptance of the terms."
It can also mean to make something known or clear in a formal way, though this use is less common in everyday speech. For example, someone might signify their approval with a nod, or a formal notice might signify a change in rules. In both cases, the word carries the idea of showing meaning clearly.
You can also use signify in a more abstract way: "Her success signified a turning point in her career." This means her achievement wasn't just an event, but a marker of change and progress. So whether it's smoke signaling a celebration, a symbol representing an idea, or an action indicating intent, to signify is to communicate meaning beyond the surface level.
Examples
- 1
Warning sign
A red flag on the beach usually signifies danger.
- 2
Social cue
The sudden silence in the room signified that something was wrong.
- Patternsignify that + clause
show or suggest that something is true
- 3
Symbolic meaning
For many people, a wedding ring signifies commitment.
- 4
Workplace signal
Her decision to leave early signified to the rest of the team that the meeting was over.
- Patternsignify to + person/group that + clause
make someone understand that something is true
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Business indicator
The sharp drop in sales may signify a bigger problem with the product.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- signifyverb
Forms
- signifiesverb
- signifying-ing formverb
- signifiedpast tenseverb