signalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (literary/technical)Formal, literary; occasionally technical.
Quick answer
What does “signalize” mean?
to mark or make something conspicuous, noteworthy, or distinct.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to mark or make something conspicuous, noteworthy, or distinct.
To draw attention to something, to indicate with a signal, or to provide with signals. In a specific technical sense, to be a sign or symptom of something. Less commonly, to make a signal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use it similarly. It is rare in everyday speech in both. In traffic engineering, 'signalize' (to install traffic signals) is standard in AmE and understood but less common in BrE (which might use 'provide with traffic lights').
Connotations
Formal, dated, or bureaucratic.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, though slightly more likely to be encountered in American technical/bureaucratic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “signalize” in a Sentence
signalize somethingbe signalized by somethingsignalize something as somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “signalize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ceremony served to signalize the official opening of the bridge.
- His career was signalized by that early, prestigious award.
- The council has no current plans to signalise the roundabout. (BrE spelling variant)
American English
- The treaty signalized a new era in diplomatic relations.
- The city voted to signalize the intersection after the third accident.
- His presidency was signalized by sweeping economic reforms.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in formal reports: 'The quarter was signalized by record profits.'
Academic
Used in literary or historical analysis: 'The poet signalizes this moment with a shift in metre.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Traffic engineering: 'The city plans to signalize the dangerous junction.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “signalize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “signalize”
- Using 'signalize' when 'signal' is meant (e.g., 'He signalized to turn left'). Overusing it in place of simpler words like 'show' or 'mark'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While related, 'signal' (as a verb) primarily means to communicate with a signal. 'Signalize' more often means to make something notable or to mark it, or to install traffic signals. In the sense of 'making a gesture', use 'signal'.
Only if you are writing in a very formal, literary style or specifically about traffic engineering. For most purposes, simpler synonyms like 'mark', 'distinguish', or 'highlight' are preferable and more natural.
Yes, the British English spelling 'signalise' is a recognised variant, though 'signalize' is also used and understood.
Yes, it's quite common, especially in formal writing. E.g., 'The period was signalized by great artistic innovation.'
to mark or make something conspicuous, noteworthy, or distinct.
Signalize is usually formal, literary; occasionally technical. in register.
Signalize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪɡ.nə.laɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪɡ.nə.laɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Signalize one's arrival (formal, often ironic).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SIGNAL that makes something stand out (SIZE-ably). To SIGNAL-IZE is to make it signal-important.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS VISIBILITY (to signalize is to make visible/noteworthy).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'signalize' MOST appropriate and standard?