signify

signify — verb

1. When a symbol, action, or event signifies something, it conveys or represents th

1.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

When a symbol, action, or event signifies something, it conveys or represents that thing as a clear sign or indicator — for example, a green traffic light signifies that it is safe to proceed.

Example

The dark clouds on the horizon signify that a storm is approaching.

signify + that-clause

In many cultures, a white dove signifies peace and hope.

signify + noun phrase: symbol represents concept

Common collocations
  • signify agreement
  • signify consent
  • signify approval
  • signify intention
  • clearly signify
  • commonly signify
  • traditionally signify
Synonyms
  • indicate

    more general and neutral; used in both formal and everyday contexts

  • denote

    more technical and precise, often in logic or linguistics

  • symbolize

    implies a deeper cultural or emotional association, not just a factual sign

Grammar Patterns

signify + noun phrase

signify + that-clause

Usage Note

Subject can be either a concrete object (clouds, flag, light) or an abstract event (change, result, development). This is the most common sense of the word.

Common Mistakes

A loud bang signified that something had fallen.' (grammatically fine but overly formal for a simple event).
A loud bang signaled that something had fallen.
use 'signal' for sudden physical events; 'signify' is better suited to symbolic or abstract meanings.

2. To deliberately communicate a feeling, intention, or message through a specific

2.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

To deliberately communicate a feeling, intention, or message through a specific word, action, or gesture — for example, signifying a refusal by shaking your head.

Example

Minho signified his approval by giving a thumbs-up to the team.

signify + noun phrase + by + gerund

Ritu signified that she wished to leave by quietly gathering her things.

signify + that-clause for communicating an intention

Common collocations
  • signify approval
  • signify dissent
  • signify intention
  • signify willingness
  • signify displeasure
  • signify consent
  • signify by nodding
  • signify by waving
Synonyms
  • indicate

    broader and less deliberate; can refer to unintentional signs

  • communicate

    more general and less formal, covering all forms of message exchange

  • express

    focuses on conveying personal feelings or opinions, often through words

Antonyms
  • conceal

    to hide rather than make known

Grammar Patterns

signify + noun phrase (+ by + gerund)

signify + that-clause (+ by + gerund)

Usage Note

Frequently followed by 'that' + clause, or by 'by' + gerund explaining how the message is communicated. The action itself (nodding, waving, signing) is the method, while the meaning is what is signified.

Common Mistakes

She signified him to wait outside.
She gestured for him to wait outside.
'signify' does not mean 'direct or instruct someone physically'; use 'gesture' or 'signal' for directing another person's action.

3. To be important, meaningful, or relevant in a given situation — frequently used

3.verbintransitiveC1
Definition

To be important, meaningful, or relevant in a given situation — frequently used in negative sentences to emphasize that something has no real effect or value.

Example

The difference in price does not signify when the quality is so poor.

does not signify — negative construction

Chidi's opinion signified little to the committee, which had already decided.

signify + little — quantifying low importance

Common collocations
  • signify little
  • signify nothing
  • does not signify
  • signify greatly
Synonyms
  • matter

    neutral and very common; appropriate for all contexts

  • count

    slightly informal; emphasises the effect or weight of something

Grammar Patterns

does not signify

signify + little/nothing

it signifies little whether...

Usage Note

Rarely used in affirmative simple statements ('It signifies' without a qualifier is unnatural). Typical in negative constructions ('does not signify', 'signifies nothing') or with quantifiers ('signifies little/greatly'). This sense is considered somewhat literary or old-fashioned in modern English.

Common Mistakes

It doesn't signify about the cost.
The cost does not signify.
'signify' in this sense is not followed by 'about'; the subject is directly what does or does not matter.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four words describe how one thing points to or stands for another. 'Indicate' is the most general and neutral — a sign, a result, or a statement can indicate something (e.g., 'The test results indicate a problem'). 'Denote' is more technical, often used in logic or linguistics ('The word 'canine' denotes dogs'). 'Symbolize' carries emotional or cultural weight, as when a flag symbolizes national pride. 'Signify' sits between indicate and symbolize in formality; it works for both concrete signals (a whistle signifying the end of play) and abstract meanings (an event signifying a policy shift). 'Represent' is the broadest, covering delegates, symbols, and artistic depictions. For everyday writing, use 'indicate' for facts, 'symbolize' for deeper meaning, and 'signify' when you need a formal tone.

indicate ↗denote ↗symbolize ↗represent ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • signify that
  • does not signify
  • signify little
  • signify nothing

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'significare', formed from 'signum' (a sign or mark) and 'facere' (to make or do). The word entered English through Old French 'signifier' in the 1200s, originally meaning 'to be a sign of'. The sense of 'to matter or have importance' developed later, around the 1600s.