v.
(signifies, signifying, signified)
- be an indication of.
- be a symbol of; have as meaning.
- (of a person) indicate or declare (a feeling or intention).
-
[with neg.]
be of importance.
- US informal (among black Americans) exchange boasts or insults as a game or ritual.
Derivative
- signification n.
- significative adj.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. signifier, from L. significare ‘indicate, portend’, from signum ‘token’.