signify
SIHG-nih-feye
Signify (verb) means to be a sign of; to indicate or represent something. Example: “A red light signifies danger.”
verb
1
To be a sign of; to indicate or represent something.
"A red light signifies danger."
"The ring signified their engagement."
2
To make known one's intention or feelings, often through a gesture or statement.
"He signified his approval with a nod."
How to use signify
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo be a sign or symbol of something, or to make a meaning or intention clear.
Common pairings
signify agreement
signify importance
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- signifies
- Past tense
- signified
Etymology
From Old French signifier, from Latin significare, from signum ("sign") + facere ("to make").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for signify
See all rhymes for signify →Frequently asked questions
What does “signify” mean?
The word “signify” means to be a sign of; to indicate or represent something. In plain terms, to be a sign or symbol of something, or to make a meaning or intention clear.
How do you pronounce “signify”?
“Signify” is pronounced SIHG-nih-feye (/ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “signify” in a sentence?
Here is “signify” used in a sentence: “A red light signifies danger.”
What is another word for “signify”?
Words with a similar meaning to “signify” include mean, betoken and import.
What part of speech is “signify”?
“Signify” is a verb.
Where does the word “signify” come from?
The word “signify” comes from Latin. From Old French signifier, from Latin significare, from signum ("sign") + facere ("to make").
Is “signify” a common word?
“Signify” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “signify” have?
“Signify” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to be a sign of; to indicate or represent something.
