Signify vs. Indicate: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 22, 2023
"Signify" means to convey meaning or represent something, while "Indicate" means to point out or show.
Key Differences
"Signify" and "Indicate" are two verbs in the English language that have related but distinct meanings. "Signify" often concerns itself with representing a deeper meaning or symbolism. For instance, a dove can signify peace. On the other hand, "Indicate" is more straightforward, often used when one wants to point out a specific detail or fact, such as an arrow indicating the right direction.
Another way to differentiate between "Signify" and "Indicate" is by examining their usage in communication. When something "Signifies" another, it usually involves a level of interpretation or understanding on the part of the receiver. For instance, a red octagon in many cultures signifies a need to stop. Conversely, "Indicate" requires less interpretation, as it points directly to the matter at hand, like a gauge indicating a tank is full.
"Signify" often carries a more abstract connotation, suggesting symbolic meanings, significance, or implications. For example, dark clouds might signify impending doom in literature. "Indicate", however, is more concrete and direct, denoting a clear demonstration or display. A thermometer indicates the temperature by directly showing a reading.
In linguistics and semiotics, "Signify" relates to the idea of signs carrying meaning. Words signify concepts. "Indicate", in this domain, is more about markers or indicators that point to specific phenomena without necessarily carrying deep meaning.
In essence, while both "Signify" and "Indicate" relate to the realm of showing or suggesting, "Signify" delves more into symbolic representation and deeper meanings, whereas "Indicate" is about direct pointing or showing.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Verb
Definition
To represent or convey a meaning
To show, point out, or make known
Contextual Usage
Symbolic representation or deeper meaning
Direct demonstration or display
Abstract vs. Concrete
More abstract
More concrete
Etymological Origin
Latin "significare" (to make a sign)
Latin "indicatus" (to point out or show)
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Signify and Indicate Definitions
Signify
To represent or stand for.
The olive branch signifies peace.
Indicate
To suggest or show a course of action.
His nod indicated his agreement.
Signify
To convey a particular meaning.
In literature, winter often signifies death or stagnation.
Indicate
To be a sign or symptom of.
Fever can indicate an infection.
Signify
To have importance or consequence.
His actions signify a deeper intention.
Indicate
To direct attention to.
The teacher indicated the chalkboard.
Signify
To be a sign or indication of.
Her smile signified her approval.
Indicate
To show the way to or the direction of; point out
An arrow indicating north.
Indicated the right road by nodding toward it.
Signify
To denote; mean
A red traffic light signifies that traffic must stop.
Indicate
To serve as a sign, symptom, or token of; signify
"The cracking and booming of the ice indicate a change of temperature" (Henry David Thoreau).
Signify
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.
Indicate
To suggest or demonstrate the necessity, expedience, or advisability of
The symptoms indicate immediate surgery.
Signify
To make known, as with a sign or word
He signified his disagreement with a frown.
Indicate
To state or express briefly
Indicated his wishes in a letter.
Indicating her approval with a nod.
Signify
To have meaning or importance.
Indicate
To point out; to discover; to direct to a knowledge of; to show; to make known.
The guard blew his whistle to indicate imminent departure.
Signify
(Slang) To exchange humorous insults in a verbal game.
Indicate
To show or manifest by symptoms; to point to as the proper remedies.
Great prostration of strength indicates the use of stimulants.
Signify
To create a sign out of something.
Indicate
To signal in a vehicle the desire to turn right or left.
Signify
To give (something) a meaning or an importance. en
Indicate
To investigate the condition or power of, as of steam engine, by means of an indicator.
Signify
To show one’s intentions with a sign etc.; to indicate, announce.
Indicate
To point out; to discover; to direct to a knowledge of; to show; to make known.
That turns and turns to indicateFrom what point blows the weather.
Signify
To mean; to betoken.
Indicate
To show or manifest by symptoms; to point to as the proper remedies; as, great prostration of strength indicates the use of stimulants. Opposite of contraindicate.
Signify
To make a difference; to matter (in negative or interrogative expressions).
Indicate
To investigate the condition or power of, as of steam engine, by means of an indicator.
Signify
To show by a sign; to communicate by any conventional token, as words, gestures, signals, or the like; to announce; to make known; to declare; to express; as, a signified his desire to be present.
I 'll to the king; and signify to himThat thus I have resign'd my charge to you.
The government should signify to the Protestants of Ireland that want of silver is not to be remedied.
Indicate
Be a signal for or a symptom of;
These symptoms indicate a serious illness
Her behavior points to a severe neurosis
The economic indicators signal that the euro is undervalued
Signify
To mean; to import; to denote; to betoken.
He bade her tell him what it signified.
A taleTold by an idiot, full of sound and fury,Signifying nothing.
Indicate
Indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively;
I showed the customer the glove section
He pointed to the empty parking space
He indicated his opponents
Signify
Denote or connote;
`maison' means `house' in French
An example sentence would show what this word means
Indicate
To state or express briefly;
Indicated his wishes in a letter
Signify
Convey or express a meaning;
These words mean nothing to me!
What does his strange behavior signify?
Indicate
Give evidence of;
The evidence argues for your claim
The results indicate the need for more work
Signify
Make known with a word or signal;
He signified his wish to pay the bill for our meal
Indicate
Suggest the necessity of an intervention; in medicine;
Tetracycline is indicated in such cases
Signify
To make known by signs or words.
The bell signifies the end of class.
Indicate
To point out or point to.
The sign indicates the entrance.
Indicate
To register or display.
The gauge indicates full pressure.
FAQs
Can "Indicate" be used in medical contexts?
Yes, like symptoms indicating a certain condition.
Is "Indicate" always about pointing to something physical?
No, it can be abstract, like indicating a preference.
Is "Signify" always abstract?
Often, but not always. It can have direct representations.
Can "Signify" be used for direct representation?
Yes, but it often implies a deeper or symbolic meaning.
What's a synonym for "Signify"?
"Denote" can be a synonym in certain contexts.
Is "Signify" only about symbols?
No, it can also be about indicating importance or consequence.
How does "Indicate" differ from "Suggest"?
"Indicate" is more direct, while "Suggest" implies a recommendation or hint.
Can an instrument "Indicate" measurements?
Yes, like a meter indicating voltage.
Can a novel "Signify" a cultural shift?
Yes, if it represents or suggests broader societal changes.
Can a glance "Indicate" emotion?
Yes, like a frown indicating displeasure.
Can colors "Signify" emotions?
Yes, like red signifying love or anger.
Can a symbol "Signify" multiple things?
Yes, depending on context and interpretation.
Can a gesture "Indicate" a direction?
Yes, like pointing to show where to go.
What's the opposite of "Indicate"?
"Conceal" or "Hide" can be opposites in some contexts.
What does it mean if an event "Signifies" a change?
It means the event represents or heralds a change.
How do arrows typically "Indicate"?
Arrows indicate direction or position.
Does "Indicate" always mean to physically show?
No, it can be used in abstract senses, like indicating agreement.
Can weather "Indicate" a season's change?
Yes, like falling leaves indicating autumn.
Can numbers "Signify" rankings?
Yes, like "1" signifying the best or top position.
What does it mean for a trend to "Signify" a movement?
It means the trend represents or symbolizes that movement.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
