Signifying: meaning, definitions and examples

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signifying

 

[ ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

indicating meaning

The word 'signifying' refers to the act of indicating, meaning, or representing something. It is often used in contexts where one thing represents another or conveys a particular message. In semiotic terms, signifying relates to how signs and symbols function in communication. It emphasizes the relationship between the signifier (the form of the sign) and the signified (the concept it represents). This term is commonly found in discussions of language, literature, and communication theory.

Synonyms

denoting, implying, indicating, representing.

Examples of usage

  • The red light is signifying danger.
  • Her smile was signifying approval.
  • The gestures were signifying various emotions.

Translations

Translations of the word "signifying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 significando

🇮🇳 संकेत करने वाला

🇩🇪 bezeichnend

🇮🇩 menandakan

🇺🇦 сигналізуючи

🇵🇱 oznaczający

🇯🇵 意味する

🇫🇷 signifiant

🇪🇸 significando

🇹🇷 belirten

🇰🇷 의미하는

🇸🇦 مُشير إلى

🇨🇿 znamenající

🇸🇰 znamenajúci

🇨🇳 表示

🇸🇮 pomeni

🇮🇸 merki

🇰🇿 белгілейтін

🇬🇪 ნიშნავს

🇦🇿 işarə edən

🇲🇽 significando

Etymology

The term 'signifying' comes from the verb 'signify,' which has its roots in Latin 'significare,' meaning 'to make known or indicate.' The Latin word is a combination of 'signum,' meaning 'sign,' and 'facere,' meaning 'to make or do.' Over time, it evolved through Old French into Middle English, where it maintained its meaning of indicating or denoting something. In modern usage, 'signifying' has come to encompass not only the literal act of meaning but also the broader implications and interpretations in various contexts, especially in linguistics, philosophy, and critical theory.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,071, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.