signify

Universal Words verb (signifies, signifying, signified, signified) (formal) 1 to be a sign of sth; to mean sth: [VN] The church bell used to be rung to signify disaster. * This decision signified a radical change in their policies. * [Vthat] This mark signifies that the products conform to an approved standard. * The white belt signifies that he's an absolute beginner. * What does the term 'patrician' signify? 2 to do sth to make your feelings, intentions, etc. known: [VN] She signified her approval with a smile. * The jury signify their verdict by a show of hands. * In 1990 Poland signified its desire to join the Council. * [Vthat] He nodded to signify that he agreed. 3 [V] (usually used in questions or negative sentences) to be important or to matter: His presence no longer signified.