verb · neutral

signify

/ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪ/SIG·ni·fy

Band 6-7speakingtask2

to show or be a sign of something; to mean

Examples

A high temperature can signify an infection.

In many cultures, a white flower often signifies mourning.

Her silence seemed to signify agreement.

Band 8 sentence

Although symbols can signify different things across cultures, a clear legend on a map prevents misunderstanding.

Collocations

  • signify that
  • signify importance
  • signify a change

Word family

signify verbsignification nounsignificant adjective

Common mistakes

The red light signifies me to stop.The red light signifies 'stop'.

Say it for a higher band

5show6indicate7+signify

Synonyms

indicate

mean

Easily confused

denote

On maps, blue usually denotes bodies of water.

Related words

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In -ify

Learn it with its set