v. sig·ni·fied, sig·ni·fy·ing, sig·ni·fies v.tr. 1. To denote; mean: A red traffic light signifies that traffic must stop. 2. To be a sign or indication of; suggest or imply: The test results will signify how serious the problem is. The surge in housing starts signifies an upturn in the economy. 3. To make known, as with a sign or word: He signified his disagreement with a frown. v.intr. 1. To have meaning or importance. 2. Slang To exchange humorous insults in a verbal game. [Middle English signifien, from Old French signifier, from Latin significāre : signum, sign; see SIGN + -ficāre, -fy.] signi·fi′a·ble adj. signi·fi′er n. |
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