Collins English-English Dictionary

signify ['sɪgnɪ,faɪ]

1. 1. vt. [when tr, may take a clause as object] [tr] to indicate, show, or suggest

2. 2. vt. [tr] to imply or portend

   the clouds signified the coming storm

3. 3. vt. [tr] to stand as a symbol, sign, etc (for)

4. 4. vi. [intr] [informal] to be significant or important

5. 5. vi. [Etymology] C13: from Old French signifier, from Latin significare, from signum a sign, mark + facere to make