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 of signify

• mean
• matter
• 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

Hose and closeout crew teammate Christian Warriner, an Orion technician, know their job signifies the final inches before a 600,000-mile journey. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026

Green stars, which signify environmental practices, are also awarded. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

When Italian luxury group Moncler selected IconSiam for its first shopping mall debut in Thailand, the decision signified a destination that aligns global luxury with cultural relevance, as brands prioritize openings in the right locations over rapid expansion. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 25 Mar. 2026

Kyle Farmer and Dominic Smith each signed a one-year split contract Saturday, signifying both will be in the clubhouse Friday at Truist Park when the team opens the season against the Royals. —Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 23 Mar. 2026

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