signify
C1Formal to neutral. Common in academic, literary, legal, and technical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To be a sign of something; to indicate, represent, or mean something; to have importance.
To convey information, intention, or a particular quality through an action, word, or symbol; to have significance or consequence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb straddles two main semantic fields: 1) indicating/meaning, and 2) having importance. It often implies a formal or weighty connection between a signifier and what is signified.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The verb is equally used in both formal registers.
Connotations
In both, it carries a formal, precise, sometimes slightly archaic or elevated tone. In philosophical/semiotic contexts ('signifier/signified'), it is neutral and technical.
Frequency
Marginally more frequent in British academic prose due to historical linguistic preferences, but the difference is negligible.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Noun/Phrase] + signify + [Noun/Phrase/Clause]It + signify + [that-clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “signify nothing (to be unimportant)”
- “to all intents and signifies (variation of 'to all intents and purposes')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in contracts or formal communications: 'The director's signature will signify final approval.'
Academic
Common in literary analysis and semiotics: 'The recurring motif signifies the protagonist's inner turmoil.'
Everyday
Less common; used for emphasis: 'What does that mark on the map signify?'
Technical
Used in logic, computing, and law: 'The flag variable signifies an error state.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The nod from the chair was enough to signify the committee's assent.
- In this context, a red light signifies danger.
- His silence on the matter did not signify approval.
American English
- The contract clause signifies our commitment to the timeline.
- What does this symbol on the dashboard signify?
- The judge's ruling signifies a major shift in interpretation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A handshake can signify friendship.
- Dark clouds often signify rain.
- The data signifies a clear trend towards online shopping.
- His refusal to comment might signify that he is involved.
- The treaty's ratification signifies a profound realignment of geopolitical interests.
- In semiotic theory, the signifier (the word 'tree') signifies the concept of a tree.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SIGN-ify' – to make something into a SIGN or to give it the importance of a sign.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEANING IS A SIGNPOST (it points to something else); IMPORTANCE IS WEIGHT (it 'carries weight').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'подписывать' (to sign). 'Signify' is 'означать' or 'значить'.
- Avoid overusing 'signify' as a direct translation for 'обозначать' in informal contexts where 'mean' or 'show' is more natural.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'signify' in overly casual contexts where 'mean' or 'show' is better.
- Confusing 'signify' (to indicate/mean) with 'sign' (to write one's name).
- Incorrect: 'He signified the document.' Correct: 'He signed the document, which signified his agreement.'
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following sentences is 'signify' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally considered formal or academic. In everyday speech, 'mean', 'show', or 'indicate' are more common.
The main noun is 'significance'. 'Signification' is a more technical term used in linguistics and philosophy.
Yes, but typically in the sense of a person indicating something through action. E.g., 'He signified his agreement with a nod.'
They are close synonyms. 'Symbolize' often implies a more conventional or representative relationship (a dove symbolizes peace). 'Signify' can be more direct and broad, covering both symbolic and literal indication (a label signifies the contents).