signifie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal, frequent in academic, legal, and technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “signifie” mean?
To be a sign, symbol, or indication of something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To be a sign, symbol, or indication of something; to mean.
To make something known formally or officially; to matter or be of importance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. The passive construction 'it is signified that...' may be slightly more common in formal British legal/administrative writing.
Connotations
Identical. Carries connotations of importance, formality, and official meaning in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in formal/academic British English, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “signifie” in a Sentence
[NP] + signify + [NP] (e.g., The ring signified his commitment.)[NP] + signify + [that-clause] (e.g., The gesture signified that the talks were over.)[It] + signify + [that-clause] (e.g., It doesn't signify that we agree.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “signifie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- A nod from the chair will signify assent to the motion.
- The rise in inflation may signify deeper economic troubles.
American English
- Your digital signature here will signify you agree to the terms.
- The dark clouds didn't necessarily signify rain was coming.
adverb
British English
- He nodded significantly, letting us know he understood (Note: 'significantly' is the adverb).
American English
- Profits increased significantly last quarter (Note: 'significantly' is the adverb).
adjective
British English
- The most significant finding was... (Note: 'significant' is the adjective).
American English
- A significant portion of the data... (Note: 'significant' is the adjective).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contracts or agreements: 'Your signature will signify acceptance of the terms.'
Academic
Common in semiotics and linguistics: 'The colour red can signify danger or passion.'
Everyday
Less frequent; used for emphasis: 'His silence signified his disapproval.'
Technical
Used in computing and logic: 'The flag bits signify the processor's status.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “signifie”
- Incorrect: *'What does this word signifies?' Correct: 'What does this word signify?' (base form after 'do')
- Incorrect: *'He signified to go.' Correct: 'He signified his intention to go.' (requires an object/that-clause)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are similar, but 'signify' is more formal and often implies that something is a sign or symbol with particular importance, especially in official or technical contexts. 'Mean' is more general and neutral.
Yes, but it's less common than 'mean' or 'show'. It's used for emphasis, e.g., 'His reaction signified he knew more than he was saying.' In casual talk, people often prefer simpler words.
The most common related noun is 'significance'. 'Signification' is a technical term used in linguistics and semiotics for the concept of meaning.
They are very close synonyms. 'Indicate' often focuses on pointing something out or being evidence for it. 'Signify' leans more towards being a symbol or having a particular meaning, especially a formal or inherent one.
To be a sign, symbol, or indication of something.
Signifie is usually neutral to formal, frequent in academic, legal, and technical contexts. in register.
Signifie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪɡ.nɪ.faɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪɡ.nə.faɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It doesn't signify (it's not important).”
- “To signify nothing (to be meaningless).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a traffic SIGN. It SIGN-IFIES (makes an IF statement) a rule: IF you see red, THEN you must stop.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEANING IS A SIGN / IMPORTANCE IS WEIGHT (e.g., 'a decision that signifies heavily').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'signify' correctly?