Signify
/ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo indicate or mean something; to be a sign of.
/ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪ/
To be an indication of; to mean.
His silence signified his disapproval.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing charades. When you're acting, you're trying to *signify* the word or phrase without speaking. It's about showing or hinting at what something is.
👶 For kids: To show or mean something, like when a smiley face means you're happy!
More Examples
The results of the test signify a problem.
A high fever often signifies an infection.
How It's Used
"The red sky at night signifies a sailor's delight."
"The treaty signified the end of the war."
To be of importance; to matter.
/ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪ/
To have importance or consequence; to matter.
Their opinions don't signify to me.
💡 Simply: If something *signifies* to you, it's a big deal. It's something that makes a difference or is important.
👶 For kids: To be important or to matter.
More Examples
What you say will signify in the final decision.
Does it really signify if we're a few minutes late?
How It's Used
"It doesn't signify to me if you're late."
To make something known, reveal something.
/ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪ/
To make oneself known; to announce.
He signified his desire to resign.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're telling someone you are going to be at the party. To *signify* you would call them up or send them an email so they know.
👶 For kids: To let someone know something.
More Examples
The agreement signified their commitment to the project.
She signified her approval with a nod.
How It's Used
"The ambassador signified his arrival."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
signify nothing
To be meaningless; to have no importance or value.
"His threats ultimately signified nothing; we just ignored them."
From Middle English *signifien*, from Old French *signifier*, from Latin *significare* ('to show by a sign'), from *signum* ('sign') + *facere* ('to make, do').
The word 'signify' has been used since the 14th century, primarily to mean 'to be a sign of'. In literature, it has frequently been used to express underlying meanings or symbolic representations.
Memory tip
Think of a sign that *signifies* something else.
Word Origin
"Sign"