signify

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English signifien, from Old French signifier, from Latin significare.

verb

1. To create a sign out of something.
2. To give (something) a meaning or an importance.
3. To show one’s intentions with a sign etc.; to indicate, announce.
   In my humble Opinion, it would be no unseasonable Condescension, if the Government would Graciously please to signify to the pour loyal Protestant Subjects of Ireland, either that this miserable Want of Silver, is not possible to be remedy’d in any Degree […] or else, that it doth not stand with the good Pleasure of England, to suffer any Silver at all among us. 1729, Jonathan Swift, Thomas Sheridan, “The Hardships of the Irish being deprived of their Silver, and decoyed into America,”, in The Intelligencer, number 19, pages 207–208
   “Do you want to write a cheque, Granny?” The old eyes signified assent. 1952, Neville Shute, “Chapter Two”, in The Far Country, London: Heinemann
4. To mean; to betoken.
   Leaning over, she gives Uncle Oscar a furious affectionate pat which signifies that he is a good fellow and we all love him. It also signifies that he can shut up. 1961, Walker Percy, “Chapter Four”, in The Moviegoer, New York: Avon, published 1980, page 143
   There are three messages which can be sent by means of the convolvulus. A white one signifies Why are you fleeing me? A pink one signifies I shall bind myself to you. A blue one signifies I shall wait for better days. 1984, Julian Barnes, “Chapter 11”, in Flaubert’s Parrot, New York: Vintage, published 1990
5. To make a difference; to matter (in negative or interrogative expressions).
   To be but in the company of those we love, satisfies us: it does not signify whether we speak to ’em or not, whether we think on them or on indifferent things. To be near ’em is all. 1699, uncredited translator, “Of the Heart”, in The Characters, or, The Manners of the Age, London: John Bullord, translation of original by Jean de La Bruyère, page 84
   I told her it was not I that broke her window, but it did not signify; so she dragged me to the light, lugging and scratching me all the while, and then said she would inform against me […] 1793, John Aikin, Evenings at Home, volume 3, London: J. Johnson, Thirteenth Evening, page 67
   “He was Charles. You can read it there. Charles Hale.” / “That don’t signify,” Ida said. “A man always has a different name for strangers. […]” 1938, Graham Greene, Brighton Rock, London: Heinemann, published 1962, Part One, Chapter 3, page 37