French word

signifier

Pronunciation

IPA/siɲifje/

Meaning

  • verbmean

Example

Ce mot signifie la liberté.

This word means freedom.

Illustration for signifier (mean)

More examples

Ce panneau signifie une interdiction.

This sign means a prohibition.

Core concept

A visible or spoken sign carries an intended meaning across to the person receiving it.

Common phrases

  • ce mot signifie

    this word means

  • signifier quelque chose pour quelqu'un

    mean something to someone

Similar words

indiquer: To make a position, direction, or fact clear.
montrer: To make something visible or provide visible information.
vouloir dire: To convey the intended meaning of a word or expression.
exprimer: To reveal thoughts or feelings through words or behavior.

Definition in French

Indiquer ce qu'un mot, un signe ou un geste veut faire comprendre.

Word origin

French signifier continues Latin significare through Old French, with a formation based on signum, meaning sign, and facere, meaning make or do.

Usage tips

  • A clause commonly follows signifier with que when the conveyed content is a proposition, as in signifier que le projet change.

Other meanings

  • expressverb
  • indicateverb

Related words

Word lists with this word