Signify: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when you want to show that something has a particular meaning or importance, often in a formal context.

• The red flag signifies danger.
• The handshake signifies their agreement.

Appropriate for pointing out something or showing that something is likely without explicitly stating it.

• The data indicate a high level of customer satisfaction.
• The clouds indicate that it might rain soon.

Use when you need to precisely state that a word or symbol specifically refers to a type of object or concept.

• In the map, the blue lines denote rivers.
• 'Dr.' before a name denotes a medical professional.

Use when showing that one thing stands for or symbolizes another, often used for ideas or abstract concepts.

• The dove represents peace.
• In our culture, the color white represents purity.

Used in everyday conversation to explain what a word, phrase, or situation signifies.

• What does this word mean?
• When I say 'early', I mean before 8 AM.

Used to talk about symbols in a literary, artistic, or cultural context.

• In literature, the black cat often symbolizes bad luck.
• The olive branch symbolizes peace.

Used when something shows or means something, often in a formal or symbolic manner.

• The red traffic light signifies that you must stop.
• His absence from the meeting could signify a lack of interest.

Used when you want to point out or show something, often with a physical gesture or a sign.

• The arrow indicates the right direction.
• His tone indicated that he was annoyed.

Used when you want to show thoughts, feelings, or ideas through words, actions, art, etc.

• He found it difficult to express his emotions.
• She expressed her joy through painting.

Used for the act of sharing or exchanging information, often between people.

• She found it challenging to communicate her feelings.
• We need to communicate regularly to keep everyone updated.

Used when you want to describe the act of making ideas or feelings known to someone.

• It's hard to convey how grateful I am.
• The novel effectively conveys the struggles of the protagonist.

Used to show that something is important or means something specific.

• The red color signifies danger.
• Her smile signified her approval.

Used to represent an idea, quality, or concept, often in a literal or figurative form.

• The dove is a symbol of peace.
• In literature, light often symbolizes hope.

Used to indicate an object, gesture, or event that conveys a message or information.

• The traffic sign indicates that we should stop.
• He gave me a sign to start the presentation.

Used to indicate a specific point in time, an event, or an achievement.

• This day marks our anniversary.
• The ceremony will mark the beginning of a new era.