signify — to be a sign of something; to mean or indicate
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to be a sign of something; to mean or indicate
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsɪɡnɪˌfaɪ/
Example Sentences
- His red nose doesn't signify he's a clown - he just has a cold!
- The teacher's smile doesn't always signify an easy test.
- What does this symbol signify in mathematics?
signify
VERB[/ˈsɪɡnɪˌfaɪ/]
to be a sign of something; to mean or indicate
The intense bidder aggressively thrusts his giant numbered paddle high into the air, nodding firmly to signify his final, massive bid.
SIGN(signal) + IFY(make) — to signify danger is to aggressively make a giant red mark on the road so it clearly means everyone must stop.
Deciding to aggressively modify the blueprint, the engineer used a giant light to clarify the plans, and gave a massive thumbs-up to signify it was officially complete.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'signifier', derived from Latin 'significare', composed of 'signum' (sign) and 'facere' (to make). The word entered English in the 13th century through Norman French influence.
Breakdown
sign- (mark, token from Latin signum) + -ify (to make, from Latin facere) = signify (to make a sign of, to indicate)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His red nose doesn't signify he's a clown - he just has a cold!”
“The teacher's smile doesn't always signify an easy test.”
“What does this symbol signify in mathematics?”
“The handshake signified the end of their long dispute.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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