Signify — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈsig-nə-ˌfī/ sig·ni·fy

Meaning & Definition of Signify

Signify (verb)

  1. to be a sign of, mean
  2. imply
  3. to show especially by a conventional token (such as word, signal, or gesture)

Signify (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to be of importance

    "never mind, as the color of the room doesn't signify in the least"

    similar: count, import, matter, mean, weigh, carry weight, cut ice
    related: affect, concern, influence, sway, add up (to), amount (to)

  2. to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind

    "the symbol failed to signify anything to me—until I realized that it was upside down"

    similar: denote, express, import, intend, mean, spell
    related: connote, imply, suggest, add up (to), amount (to), hint, infer, insinuate, intimate, embody, epitomize, personify, represent, symbol, symbolize, advert, allude (to), cite, instance, mention, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon), designate, indicate, point (to), signal, announce, declare, proclaim, elucidate, explain

  3. to serve as a sign or symptom of

    "the opening of the new mall signifies the city's overdue emergence from economic depression"

    similar: bespeak, betoken, denote, indicate, mean, point (to), tell (of)
    related: bode, foreshow, foretell, presage

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Signify

The most common words with a similar meaning to Signify:

count, import, matter, mean, weigh, denote, express, intend, spell, bespeak, betoken, indicate, point (to), tell (of), carry weight, cut ice

Related Words for Signify

affect, concern, influence, sway, add up (to), amount (to), connote, imply, suggest, hint, infer, insinuate, intimate, embody, epitomize, personify, represent, symbol, symbolize, advert, allude (to), cite, instance, mention, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon), designate, signal, announce

Word Forms of Signify

Inflections: signified, signifying

Origin & Etymology of Signify

Middle English signifien, from Anglo-French signifier, from Latin significare to indicate, signify, from signum sign

First known use: 13th centuryt

Frequently Asked Questions about Signify

What does "Signify" mean?

"Signify" means to be a sign of, mean. As a verb, it is defined as: to be a sign of, mean. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Signify"?

Other words for "Signify" include count, import, matter, mean, weigh, denote, express and intend. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Signify" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Signify"?

There are 54 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Signify". Common alternatives include count, import, matter, mean, weigh, denote, express, intend, spell and bespeak.

How do you use "Signify" in a sentence?

Examples of "Signify" in a sentence: "never mind, as the color of the room doesn't signify in the least"; "the symbol failed to signify anything to me—until I realized that it was upside down"; "the opening of the new mall signifies the city's overdue emergence from economic depression".

Is "Signify" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Signify" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Signify"?

"Signify" is pronounced /ˈsig-nə-ˌfī/ and divided into syllables as sig·ni·fy.

What is the origin of the word "Signify"?

"Signify" comes from Middle English signifien, from Anglo-French signifier, from Latin significare to indicate, signify, from signum sign. First known use: 13th centuryt.

What is another word for "Signify" meaning "to be of importance"?

When "Signify" (verb) means to be of importance, synonyms include count, import, matter, mean, weigh and carry weight.