What does signifying mean?
Signifying is a formal verb meaning to indicate, denote, imply, or express a particular meaning. It is often used when meaning is conveyed indirectly through a gesture, appearance, symbol, or deliberate statement: a raised eyebrow can signify doubt, while a familiar phrase may signify approval. The word can also function as a literary adjective meaning meaningful or significant, although the verb is much more common in modern usage. Its slightly emphatic, literary tone means that “meaning” or “indicating” will often sound more natural, but signifying usefully suggests that something stands for or points toward an idea rather than merely existing. The word comes from Latin significare, built from signum, meaning “sign,” and facere, meaning “to make,” and it retains that sense of making a sign communicate. Cognates include sign, signal, signature, designate, and significant.
To indicate, denote, imply, or express a particular meaning, especially indirectly.
"The subdued lighting was signifying that the celebration had ended."
Common in formal writing and speech; “meaning” or “indicating” is often more natural in conversation.
Serving to convey meaning; meaningful or significant.
"The speaker turned with a signifying glance toward the empty chair."
Chiefly literary and less common than the verb use of signifying.
From Latin signum, meaning “sign,” signifying comes from the ancient idea of making something point toward an idea.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does signifying come from?
Signifying comes from Middle English usage of the Latin verb significare, also found through Old French. Latin significare combined signum, meaning “sign,” with facere, meaning “to make,” literally describing the act of making a sign communicate. Its modern relatives—including signal, signature, significant, and designate—continue to reflect the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How signifying is actually used
Signifying has a formal, literary, and sometimes slightly emphatic tone. In everyday speech, “meaning” or “indicating” is usually more natural, especially when no symbolic or indirect communication is involved.
Easily confused with signifying
“Significant” usually means important, consequential, or statistically reliable, whereas “signifying” means indicating or expressing a meaning.