signify

/ˌsɪgnəˈfaɪ/

/ˈsɪgnɪfaɪ/

Other forms: signifies; signified; signifying

To signify means to "mean." When Paul Revere looked for the lanterns in the church tower, he knew that one would signify that the British were coming by land and two would indicate that they were coming by sea.

When objects are endowed with symbolic meaning, they are said to signify things. A dove signifies peace, a six-pointed star signifies Judaism, a frog signifies fertility, a trident signifies the Hindu Shiva or the Greek Poseidon.

Definitions of signify

1. verb

   denote or connote
   synonyms: intend, mean, stand for

   types:

   denote, refer

   have as a meaning

   convolute, pervert, sophisticate, twist, twist around

   practice sophistry; change the meaning of or be vague about in order to mislead or deceive

   euphemise, euphemize

   refer to something with a euphemism

   come back, hark back, recall, return, rewind

   go back to something earlier

   identify, name

   give the name or identifying characteristics of; refer to by name or some other identifying characteristic property

   apply

   refer (a word or name) to a person or thing

   slur

   speak disparagingly of; e.g., make a racial slur

   express, state

   indicate through a symbol, formula, etc.
2. verb

   make known with a word or signal
   “He signified his wish to pay the bill for our meal”

   type of:

   indicate

   state or express briefly
3. verb

   convey or express a meaning
   “What does his strange behavior signify?”

   synonyms:

   intend, mean, stand for

   denote or connote

   type of:

   intend, mean

   mean or intend to express or convey