First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
signify
verb sig·ni·fy \ˈsig-nə-ˌfī\
: to be a sign of (something) : to mean (something)
: to show (your feelings, intentions, opinions, etc.) by doing something
: to have importance
sig·ni·fiedsig·ni·fy·ing
Full Definition of SIGNIFY
transitive verb
2
: to show especially by a conventional token (as word, signal, or gesture)
intransitive verb
1
: to have significance : matter <it will not much signify what one wears — Jane Austen>
2
: to engage in signifying
See signify defined for English-language learners
See signify defined for kids
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Origin of SIGNIFY
Middle English signifien, from Anglo-French signifier, from Latin significare to indicate, signify, from signum sign
Rhymes with SIGNIFY
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SIGNIFY Defined for Kids
signify
verb sig·ni·fy \ˈsig-nə-ˌfī\
sig·ni·fiedsig·ni·fy·ing
Definition of SIGNIFY for Kids
2
: to show especially by a sign : make known <She nodded to signify agreement.>
3
: to have importance : matter <“It doesn't signify what you THINK … Facts is facts.” — Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea>
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