Indicates, means, or represents something; serves as a sign or symbol of a particular quality or concept.
From Latin 'significare,' composed of 'signum' (sign, mark) and 'facere' (to make). Entered English via Old French in the 13th century, maintaining its core meaning of making signs or showing meaning.
In linguistics, the difference between what a word 'signifies' (its meaning) versus what it 'denotes' (its literal reference) is crucial - for example, 'home' denotes a building but signifies comfort, belonging, and safety. This distinction helps explain why poetry and metaphor are so powerful.
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