signify
signify — verb
1. When a symbol, action, or event signifies something, it conveys or represents th
When a symbol, action, or event signifies something, it conveys or represents that thing as a clear sign or indicator — for example, a green traffic light signifies that it is safe to proceed.
The dark clouds on the horizon signify that a storm is approaching.
signify + that-clause
In many cultures, a white dove signifies peace and hope.
signify + noun phrase: symbol represents concept
Andrew's constant yawning during the meeting signified his boredom.
A red flag at the beach signifies dangerous swimming conditions.
The ringing bell at noon signified the start of lunch for the workers.
文法句型
signify + noun phrase
signify + that-clause
用法筆記
Subject can be either a concrete object (clouds, flag, light) or an abstract event (change, result, development). This is the most common sense of the word.
常見錯誤
2. To deliberately communicate a feeling, intention, or message through a specific
To deliberately communicate a feeling, intention, or message through a specific word, action, or gesture — for example, signifying a refusal by shaking your head.
Minho signified his approval by giving a thumbs-up to the team.
signify + noun phrase + by + gerund
Ritu signified that she wished to leave by quietly gathering her things.
signify + that-clause for communicating an intention
The ambassador signified the country's support by signing the agreement.
Pedro raised his hand to signify he had a question for the speaker.
The driver signified a right turn by activating his indicator light.
- indicate
broader and less deliberate; can refer to unintentional signs
- communicate
more general and less formal, covering all forms of message exchange
- express
focuses on conveying personal feelings or opinions, often through words
- conceal
to hide rather than make known
文法句型
signify + noun phrase (+ by + gerund)
signify + that-clause (+ by + gerund)
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'that' + clause, or by 'by' + gerund explaining how the message is communicated. The action itself (nodding, waving, signing) is the method, while the meaning is what is signified.
常見錯誤
3. To be important, meaningful, or relevant in a given situation — frequently used
To be important, meaningful, or relevant in a given situation — frequently used in negative sentences to emphasize that something has no real effect or value.
The difference in price does not signify when the quality is so poor.
does not signify — negative construction
Chidi's opinion signified little to the committee, which had already decided.
signify + little — quantifying low importance
Brooke felt that her small mistake signified nothing in the big picture.
In the final moments of the race, every second signified greatly.
It signified very little whether Ada arrived early or late.
文法句型
does not signify
signify + little/nothing
it signifies little whether...
用法筆記
Rarely used in affirmative simple statements ('It signifies' without a qualifier is unnatural). Typical in negative constructions ('does not signify', 'signifies nothing') or with quantifiers ('signifies little/greatly'). This sense is considered somewhat literary or old-fashioned in modern English.