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Glite Dictionary
to signify

to signify

82 3.7
To be a sign of something, often by a word, action or symbol
  • verb
  • /ˈsɪɡnɪˌfaɪ/
translation icon : significar
  • In many cultures, a dove signifies peace and hope.
  • signify the end
  • signify the presence of
  • words that signify

And so it really doesn't signify what's within.

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Examples

  • The green light at the intersection signifies that cars can proceed safely.

  • The teacher used a star sticker to signify a job well done.

  • According to what I read, it could signify change.

  • So you have those three things happening which I believe signify a great movement of the people.

  • It's one word that can actually signify multiple patterns.

  • All those in favor of the Public Land Act, please signify by saying, "Aye."

    The Last Kung Fu Monk (2010)

  • Double notches always signify that it's a back piece.

  • Or does the arrival of discomfort always signify that you need to change something?

  • Next, we are taught how the blue color of her wing signifies Heaven.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • This clearly signifies an instability in the solution process.

Synonyms

to mean
vsto signify
∞ 1.6

Show what a word, sign, or action represents

is the broader general term for showing or being a sign
to show
vsto signify
∞ 1.0

To point out where something or someone is

is the broader notion of meaning beyond physical pointing
to express
vsto signify
∞ 2.3

To show ideas and feelings by words or actions

focuses on being a sign rather than expressing inner feelings
to indicate
vsto signify
834 2.7

Show or suggest that something is likely true

is the broader idea of being a sign across words, actions, symbols
to represent
vsto signify
395 3.4

Be a symbol of something, for example a dove for peace

is the simpler general term for indicating meaning not only symbols
to mark
vsto signify
203 1.4

Use a sign or symbol to identify something

covers meaning broadly, not only physical identification marks
to stand for
vsto signify
165 3.1

To represent something by a sign or short name

is the general act of showing or being a sign in context
to signal
vsto signify
138 3.0

To show that something exists or may happen

covers more ways of showing meaning beyond timing or warning signs
to symbolize
vsto signify
  • US
104 4.2

To show an idea or feeling with an image

is the wider idea of being a sign by many means, not just symbols
to designate
vsto signify
50 4.6

To show a place or direction

is the broader concept of meaning rather than specific pointing out
to denote
vsto signify
27 4.4

To be a sign or symbol of something

is more general, not only about direct symbolic representation
to bespeak
vsto signify
  • Formal
6 9.3

Show that something has a certain quality

is the everyday phrase used rather than a formal or old word
to betoken
vsto signify
  • Archaic
1 9.3

To be a sign of something

is the common modern term without literary tone or archaism
to signalize
vsto signify
  • US
8.6

Send information using signals or movements like nods and waves

is more general, not limited to signal-based communication
to emblemize
vsto signify
8.1

To stand for an idea using a picture or sign

is the general action of showing meaning beyond formal emblems

How Clear

to demonstrate
579 3.0
to signify
82 3.7
to indicate
834 2.7
to suggest
∞ 1.6
to hint
136 2.0

Surface Forms

signify infinitive
signified past
signified past participle
signifying present participle
signifies third person singular

Morphology

signify = sign (transparent) = sign + ify

The verb 'signify' is transparently derived from 'sign' with the suffix '-ify', meaning 'to make or show as a sign'.

Etymology

Signify comes from the Latin root sign- meaning 'sign' or 'mark', the same root you see in signal and signature. So to signify is to 'show' or 'mean' something, like a sign that tells you there is danger.