signify

[ sig-nuh-fahy ]
/ ˈsɪg nəˌfaɪ /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR signify ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), sig·ni·fied, sig·ni·fy·ing.

to make known by signs, speech, or action.
to be a sign of; mean; portend.

verb (used without object), sig·ni·fied, sig·ni·fy·ing.

to be of importance or consequence.

Origin of signify

1200–50; Middle English signifien < Old French signifier < Latin significāre to make a sign, indicate, mention, denote. See sign, -ify

OTHER WORDS FROM signify

sig·ni·fi·a·ble, adjective un·sig·ni·fi·a·ble, adjective

Words nearby signify

significative, significs, signified, signifier, signifié, signify, signifying, signing, signior, signiory, signor

Words related to signify

represent, suggest, spell, portend, imply, manifest, convey, bespeak, symbolize, proclaim, mean, exhibit, show, sign, denote, evince, carry, connote, flash, insinuate

Example sentences from the Web for signify

British Dictionary definitions for signify

signify
/ (ˈsɪɡnɪˌfaɪ) /

verb -fies, -fying or -fied (when tr, may take a clause as object)

(tr) to indicate, show, or suggest
(tr) to imply or portend the clouds signified the coming storm
(tr) to stand as a symbol, sign, etc (for)
(intr) informal to be significant or important

Derived forms of signify

signifiable, adjective signifier, noun

Word Origin for signify

C13: from Old French signifier, from Latin significāre, from signum a sign, mark + facere to make