Word
signify
Phoneticssig·ni·fy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɪɡnəˌfaɪ/
UK/sˈɪɡnɪfˌaɪ/
Definitions
01to mean or represent
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
v. to be a sign of something or to mean something.
v. to be a symbol or sign of; to represent a particular meaning or concept.
“In many cultures, a white flag is used to signify that you want to stop fighting.”
“The use of specific floral motifs in the tapestry was intended to signify the union of the two royal houses.”
02to show a feeling or intention
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
v. to make your feelings, intentions, or decisions known by a sign or action.
v. to make known or communicate a feeling, intention, or decision through a gesture, signal, or statement.
“She nodded her head to signify that she agreed with the plan.”
“The chairman requested that all those in favour signify their approval by raising their right hand.”
03to be important
C1 · Advanced Formal · Literary
v. to matter or be important; usually used in questions or negative sentences.
v. to be of importance or consequence; typically employed in negative or interrogative constructions.
“He said that the small delay did not signify in the long run.”
“Whether the document was signed on Tuesday or Wednesday does not signify, provided the terms remain unchanged.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and often takes a direct object or a 'that' clause. Frequently used in academic or formal contexts to discuss symbolism.
Pitfall
The bell signifies to the end of class
The bell signifies the end of class
Signify is a transitive verb and should not be followed by the preposition 'to' before its object.
Real-World Examples
“Our politicians, meanwhile, post the usual thoughts and prayers on social media, signifying nothing.” Etymology
Inherited from Middle English signifien, from Old French signifier, from Latin significare.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/signify