English Explanatory Dictionary

signify

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To create a sign out of something.
  2. To give (something) a meaning or an importance.
  3. To show one’s intentions with a sign etc.; to indicate, announce, or portend.
  4. To mean; to betoken.
  5. To make a difference; to matter (in negative or interrogative expressions).

Pronunciation

/ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-signify.wav

Word forms

signify signifies signifying signified

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English signifien, from Old French signifier, from Latin significare.

Synonyms

mean betoken import

Derived words

consignify foresignify missignify nonsignifying oversignify plurisignify plurisignifying resignify signifiable signifyin' signifyin(g) signifyingly unsignified unsignifying
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