Definition of signify
- it will not much signify what one wears
- —Jane Austen
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.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'signify.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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".
First Known Use: 13th century
in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
See Words from the same year: to be a sign of (something) : to mean (something)
: to show (your feelings, intentions, opinions, etc.) by doing something
: to have importance
See words that rhyme with signify Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for signify Spanish Central: Translation of signify Nglish: Translation of signify for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of signify for Arabic speakers
What made you want to look up signify? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZTest Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ