signify
/ˈsɪgnɪfaɪ/verb
-ies, -ied
1
- with obj. be an indication of指示; 表示; 表明：
this decision signified a fundamental change in their priorities.
这项决定表明他们的重点发生了根本的变化。
1.1
- be a symbol of; have as meaning作为…的符号; 有…的意思：
the church used this image to signify the Holy Trinity.
教堂用这一图案作为圣三一的象征。
1.2
- (of a person) indicate or declare (a feeling or intention)（人）表明（情感, 意图）：
signify your agreement by signing the letter below.
在下面这封信中署名, 表明你同意。
1.3
- no obj. with negative be of importance具有重要性; 要紧：
the locked door doesn't necessarily signify.
门锁不锁, 无关紧要。
2
- no obj. US informal (among black Americans) exchange boasts or insults as a game or ritual〈美, 非正式〉（作为一种游戏或习俗, 美国黑人之间）相互吹牛; 相互辱骂。
词源
Middle English: from Old French signifier, from Latin significare 'indicate， portend'， from signum 'token'.