signify

signify — 動詞

1. When a symbol, action, or event signifies something, it conveys or represents th

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

表示；象徵

作為某事物的標誌或含義

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.

例句

The dark clouds on the horizon signify that a storm is approaching.

地平線上的烏雲表示暴風雨即將來臨。

signify + that-clause

In many cultures, a white dove signifies peace and hope.

在許多文化中，白鴿象徵和平與希望。

signify + noun phrase: symbol represents concept

同義詞
  • indicate

    more general and neutral; used in both formal and everyday contexts

  • denote

    more technical and precise, often in logic or linguistics

  • symbolize

    implies a deeper cultural or emotional association, not just a factual sign

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

❌A loud bang signified that something had fallen.' (grammatically fine but overly formal for a simple event).
✅A loud bang signaled that something had fallen.
💡use 'signal' for sudden physical events; 'signify' is better suited to symbolic or abstract meanings.

2. To deliberately communicate a feeling, intention, or message through a specific

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

表達；表明

透過言行讓人了解

To deliberately communicate a feeling, intention, or message through a specific word, action, or gesture — for example, signifying a refusal by shaking your head.

例句

Minho signified his approval by giving a thumbs-up to the team.

Minho 對團隊豎起大拇指以表達他的認可。

signify + noun phrase + by + gerund

Ritu signified that she wished to leave by quietly gathering her things.

Ritu 默默收拾東西，表明她想離開。

signify + that-clause for communicating an intention

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

❌She signified him to wait outside.
✅She gestured for him to wait outside.
💡'signify' does not mean 'direct or instruct someone physically'; use 'gesture' or 'signal' for directing another person's action.

3. To be important, meaningful, or relevant in a given situation — frequently used

3.動詞不及物C1
釋義

要緊；有關係

具有重要性或意義

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.

例句

The difference in price does not signify when the quality is so poor.

品質這麼差的時候，價格差異就不那麼要緊了。

does not signify — negative construction

Chidi's opinion signified little to the committee, which had already decided.

委員會早已決定，因此 Chidi 的意見不太要緊。

signify + little — quantifying low importance

同義詞
  • matter

    neutral and very common; appropriate for all contexts

  • count

    slightly informal; emphasises the effect or weight of something

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.

常見錯誤

❌It doesn't signify about the cost.
✅The cost does not signify.
💡'signify' in this sense is not followed by 'about'; the subject is directly what does or does not matter.