signify

verb

sig·​ni·​fy ˈsig-nə-ˌfī How to pronounce signify (audio)
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 wearsJane 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".

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the downstairs ballroom, Guadagnino embraces his two co-stars, signifying their close relationship. Ramin Setoodeh, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024 Similarly, Harris will also be holding her final campaign event in the state, signifying the critical role the state plays in securing the presidency. Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024 Average monthly internet costs in Canada rank fifth most expensive globally for 100Mbps plans, signifying a clear disconnect between service accessibility and affordability. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024 The hike signified a turning point in my experience as an outdoor parent. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for signify 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of signify was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near signify

Cite this Entry

“Signify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/signify. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

signify

verb
sig·​ni·​fy ˈsig-nə-ˌfī How to pronounce signify (audio)
signified; signifying
1
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

More from Merriam-Webster on signify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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