signifies
Points to meaning
Signifies means indicates, represents, or conveys meaning.
A raised hand signifies a question.
A wedding ring signifies marriage.
The word often implies that something carries symbolic weight beyond its literal appearance: Her silence signified disapproval.
In academic contexts, particularly semiotics, signifies describes how signs and symbols communicate meaning.
Indicates or represents
- representsStands in for
- indicatesShows or points to
- conveysTransfers or expresses
- expressesCommunicates through words
implies · suggests · connotes · symbolizes · communicates · portends · betokens · heralds
Representational sign or device
- badgeWorn symbol of membership
- iconPictorial screen symbol
- tokenRepresentative placeholder
- markerSomething that signals location
flag · banner · seal · crest · hallmark · totem · ensign · logo
Conveyed indications
- nodsDownward head gestures
- wavesTraveling energy disturbances
- beckonsSignals to approach
- motionsActions or formal proposals
gestures · points · acknowledges · salutes · bows · winks · telegraphs · semaphores
denotes
Indicates or represents
- representsStands in for
- indicatesShows or points to
- conveysTransfers or expresses
expresses · implies · suggests · connotes · symbolizes · communicates · portends · betokens · heralds · foreshadows
emblem
Representational sign or device
marker · flag · banner · seal · crest · hallmark · totem · ensign · logo · brand
signals
Conveyed indications
motions · gestures · points · acknowledges · salutes · bows · winks · telegraphs · semaphores
matters
Is of importance
registers · impacts · relevance · consequence · significance · weight · gravity · import · moment · substance
- signifiesrepresents, means, denotes, stands for, indicates
- highlightshighlight, highlights, high point, spotlight, peak
- significant otherRomantic life partner
- statistically significantUnlikely by chance alone
- significant digitsNumerals showing measurement precision
- significant figurePrecision-conveying numeral in measurement
significant, insignificant, signification, signified, signifier, signifiers