signify
/ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsig-nə-ˌfī/ (ame, mw)
signify — 動詞
- signifypresent simple I / you / we / they
- signifieshe / she / it
- signifiedpast simple
- signifying-ing form
1. When a symbol, action, or event signifies something, it conveys or represents th
表示；象徵
作為某事物的標誌或含義
When a symbol, action, or event signifies something, it conveys or represents that thing as a clear sign or indicator — for example, a green traffic light signifies that it is safe to proceed.
The dark clouds on the horizon signify that a storm is approaching.
地平線上的烏雲表示暴風雨即將來臨。
signify + that-clause
In many cultures, a white dove signifies peace and hope.
在許多文化中，白鴿象徵和平與希望。
signify + noun phrase: symbol represents concept
Andrew's constant yawning during the meeting signified his boredom.
Andrew 在會議中不斷打呵欠，顯示他感到無聊。
A red flag at the beach signifies dangerous swimming conditions.
沙灘上的紅旗表示游泳條件危險。
The ringing bell at noon signified the start of lunch for the workers.
中午的鈴聲象徵工人們的午餐時間開始了。
文法句型
signify + noun phrase
signify + that-clause
用法筆記
Subject can be either a concrete object (clouds, flag, light) or an abstract event (change, result, development). This is the most common sense of the word.
常見錯誤
2. To deliberately communicate a feeling, intention, or message through a specific
表達；表明
透過言行讓人了解
To deliberately communicate a feeling, intention, or message through a specific word, action, or gesture — for example, signifying a refusal by shaking your head.
Minho signified his approval by giving a thumbs-up to the team.
Minho 對團隊豎起大拇指以表達他的認可。
signify + noun phrase + by + gerund
Ritu signified that she wished to leave by quietly gathering her things.
Ritu 默默收拾東西，表明她想離開。
signify + that-clause for communicating an intention
The ambassador signified the country's support by signing the agreement.
大使簽署協議，以表明該國的支持。
Pedro raised his hand to signify he had a question for the speaker.
Pedro 舉手表示他對演講者有問題要問。
The driver signified a right turn by activating his indicator light.
駕駛者開啟方向燈以表明他要右轉。
- indicate
broader and less deliberate; can refer to unintentional signs
- communicate
more general and less formal, covering all forms of message exchange
- express
focuses on conveying personal feelings or opinions, often through words
- conceal
to hide rather than make known
文法句型
signify + noun phrase (+ by + gerund)
signify + that-clause (+ by + gerund)
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'that' + clause, or by 'by' + gerund explaining how the message is communicated. The action itself (nodding, waving, signing) is the method, while the meaning is what is signified.
常見錯誤
3. To be important, meaningful, or relevant in a given situation — frequently used
要緊；有關係
具有重要性或意義
To be important, meaningful, or relevant in a given situation — frequently used in negative sentences to emphasize that something has no real effect or value.
The difference in price does not signify when the quality is so poor.
品質這麼差的時候，價格差異就不那麼要緊了。
does not signify — negative construction
Chidi's opinion signified little to the committee, which had already decided.
委員會早已決定，因此 Chidi 的意見不太要緊。
signify + little — quantifying low importance
Brooke felt that her small mistake signified nothing in the big picture.
Brooke 覺得她的小錯誤在大局中一點也不重要。
In the final moments of the race, every second signified greatly.
在賽跑的最後時刻，每一秒都非常要緊。
It signified very little whether Ada arrived early or late.
Ada 早到或晚到都沒有太大關係。
文法句型
does not signify
signify + little/nothing
it signifies little whether...
用法筆記
Rarely used in affirmative simple statements ('It signifies' without a qualifier is unnatural). Typical in negative constructions ('does not signify', 'signifies nothing') or with quantifiers ('signifies little/greatly'). This sense is considered somewhat literary or old-fashioned in modern English.