signify

verb

sig·​ni·​fy ˈsig-nə-ˌfī 

signified; signifying

transitive verb

1

a

: to be a sign of : mean

b

: imply

2

: to show especially by a conventional token (such as word, signal, or gesture)

intransitive verb

1

: to have significance : matter

it will not much signify what one wears

—Jane Austen

2

: to engage in signifying

Did you know?

Signify basically means "to make a sign or signal". One of its synonyms is indicate; the index finger is the finger you point with, so to indicate is essentially to point to something. Significant means "important" and significance means "importance;" similarly, insignificant means "unimportant" and insignificance means "lack of importance".

Synonyms

• count
• import
• matter
• mean
• weigh

Examples of signify in a Sentence

A check mark next to your name signifies that you have met all the requirements.

The recent decline of the stock market does not necessarily signify the start of a recession.

He gave her a diamond ring to signify his love.

Whether he agrees or not does not signify.

Recent Examples on the Web

Also present is what would become Autopia, signifying that Disneyland in late 1953 had many of its early attractions solidified. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025

The skyscraper signifies an important urban developmental stage, as defined by Brian J. Godfrey, a scholar of urban studies. —Ashley Gardini, JSTOR Daily, 13 May 2025

Market attention will now turn to whether this development signifies the start of a more comprehensive and lasting trade agreement. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

On Thursday afternoon local time, white smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel and the bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang out, signifying the cardinals had elected a new pope. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 8 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English signifien, from Anglo-French signifier, from Latin significare to indicate, signify, from signum sign

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for signify

• abscissae
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi
• certify

Kids Definition

signify

verb

sig·​ni·​fy ˈsig-nə-ˌfī 

signified; signifying

1

: mean entry 2 sense 2, denote

2

: to show especially by a sign : make known

signified their agreement by nodding

3

: to have importance : matter

doesn't signify much what you wear