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

The Alamo stands as one of five missions known as the San Antonio Missions that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, an honor that signifies the cultural and historical importance of the landmark. — Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

The move signifies OpenAI's shift towards vertical integration, lessening reliance on general-purpose hardware. — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

The acquisition of Celifie not only signified a major addition to the 2027 class, but also marked the start of the Bruins keeping homegrown talent in Los Angeles. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026

But the installation also signifies the removal of the rest of the city’s colorful street art, including the large rainbow flag by Sebastian Street Beach, as Fort Lauderdale seeks to settle its ongoing legal battles with the state. — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 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
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi

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