Signify vs Significant: Decoding Common Word Mix-Ups

Are you confused about the difference between “signify” and “significant”? These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the definitions of both words and when to use each one correctly.

Let’s define the two words:

• Signify: to be a sign or indication of something; to convey meaning
• Significant: important; having a particular meaning; notable

While both words are related to conveying meaning, “signify” specifically refers to being a sign or indication of something, while “significant” refers to something that is important or notable in its own right.

Now that we’ve defined the terms, let’s dive deeper into when to use each one. In the following sections, we’ll explore different scenarios where one word may be more appropriate than the other.

Define Signify

Signify is a verb that means to convey a particular meaning or message. It can also refer to the act of indicating or representing something. When something signifies, it is communicating a specific idea or concept.

For example, a red traffic light signifies that drivers should stop their vehicles. In this case, the red light is communicating the message that drivers need to halt their cars to prevent accidents.

Define Significant

Significant is an adjective that describes something that is important or meaningful. It can also refer to an amount or quantity that is large or notable. When something is significant, it has a considerable impact or influence on a situation or outcome.

For instance, a significant increase in sales can indicate that a company’s marketing strategy is working effectively. In this case, the increase in sales is noteworthy and has a positive impact on the company’s bottom line.

Additionally, a significant event or moment in history is one that has a profound impact on society and is remembered for years to come. For example, the invention of the internet is a significant moment in history that has transformed the way people communicate and access information.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can significantly impact the message you are trying to convey. This is especially true when it comes to words that are similar in spelling and pronunciation, such as “signify” and “significant.” In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.

How To Use “Signify” In A Sentence

The word “signify” is used to indicate or represent something. It is often used to express the importance or meaning of an action or event. Here are a few examples of how to use “signify” in a sentence:

• His silence during the meeting signified his disapproval of the proposed plan.
• The red traffic light signifies that it is not safe to cross the road.
• The ringing of the church bells signifies the start of the wedding ceremony.

As you can see from these examples, “signify” is often used to convey a deeper meaning or significance behind an action or event.

How To Use “Significant” In A Sentence

The word “significant” is used to describe something that is important or meaningful. It is often used to emphasize the importance or impact of a particular thing. Here are a few examples of how to use “significant” in a sentence:

• The new policy will have a significant impact on the company’s profits.
• Her contribution to the project was significant and greatly appreciated.
• The discovery of the new species is significant for the scientific community.

As you can see from these examples, “significant” is often used to describe the importance or impact of something. It can also be used to emphasize the value or worth of a particular thing.

More Examples Of Signify & Significant Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between the words “signify” and “significant,” it’s important to see them used in context. Here are some examples of both words used in sentences:

Examples Of Using “Signify” In A Sentence:

• The ringing of the bell will signify the start of the ceremony.
• Her gesture seemed to signify that she was ready to leave.
• The color red can signify danger or warning.
• The handshake is a common way to signify agreement or greeting.
• The smile on his face seemed to signify that he was happy with the results.
• The nod of his head signified that he understood what was being said.
• The word “love” can signify many different emotions and feelings.
• The flag at half-mast signifies mourning or respect.
• The use of certain symbols can signify membership in a particular group or organization.
• The change in tone of his voice seemed to signify that he was becoming angry.

Examples Of Using “Significant” In A Sentence:

• The discovery of the new species is significant for the field of biology.
• The increase in sales is significant for the company’s bottom line.
• The new law will have a significant impact on the environment.
• His contributions to the project were significant and greatly appreciated.
• The age difference between the couple was not significant enough to cause concern.
• The study found a significant correlation between exercise and improved mental health.
• The company’s history is significant in understanding its current position in the market.
• The earthquake caused significant damage to the city’s infrastructure.
• The new treatment has shown significant promise in treating the disease.
• The artist’s work has had a significant influence on modern art.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

In the English language, words with similar spellings or meanings can often be confused with one another. One such pair of words that often cause confusion are signify and significant. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:

Using Signify Instead Of Significant

• Signify is a verb that means to indicate or be a sign of something.
• Significant is an adjective that means important or meaningful.
• Using signify instead of significant can lead to confusion or misinterpretation of the intended meaning.
• For example, saying “This event signifies a significant change in our company” would be more appropriate than saying “This event is very signify for our company.”

Using Significant Instead Of Signify

• Using significant instead of signify can also lead to confusion or misinterpretation of the intended meaning.
• For example, saying “This symbol is significant to our culture” would be more appropriate than saying “This symbol signifies to our culture.”

Using Signify As A Synonym For Other Words

• Signify should not be used as a synonym for other words such as mean or represent.
• For example, saying “The color red signifies danger” would be more appropriate than saying “The color red means danger.”

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it is important to understand the definitions and proper usage of both signify and significant. Take the time to proofread your writing and ensure that you are using the correct word for the intended meaning. If in doubt, consult a dictionary or thesaurus for clarification.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “signify” and “significant,” context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. Both words have similar meanings, but they are not interchangeable in all situations. Understanding the context in which they are used is essential to using them correctly.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts in which the choice between “signify” and “significant” might change:

1. Statistical Analysis

In statistical analysis, the word “significant” is commonly used to describe the results of a study. It indicates that the results are unlikely to have occurred by chance and are therefore considered meaningful. For example, a study might find that a certain medication has a significant effect on reducing the symptoms of a particular disease. In this context, using the word “signify” would not be appropriate because it does not convey the same level of statistical significance.

2. Symbolism

When discussing symbolism or metaphor, the word “signify” is often used to describe the meaning behind a particular object or action. For example, in literature, a rose might signify love or passion. In this context, using the word “significant” would not be appropriate because it does not convey the same level of symbolic meaning.

3. Everyday Conversation

In everyday conversation, both “signify” and “significant” can be used interchangeably to express the idea that something is important or meaningful. For example, someone might say “this event signifies a new era for our company” or “this event is significant for our company.” In this context, both words are appropriate because they convey the same general idea.

Overall, understanding the context in which “signify” and “significant” are used is essential to using them correctly. While they have similar meanings, they are not interchangeable in all situations. By paying attention to the context, you can choose the right word to convey your intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using signify and significant are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind.

1. Technical Language

In technical language, the two words can have different meanings. For instance, in the field of statistics, “significance” refers to the likelihood that a result occurred by chance. “Signify,” on the other hand, is not used in this context.

Example: “The p-value of 0.05 signifies that there is a 5% chance that the results occurred by chance. This result is statistically significant.”

2. Colloquial Language

In colloquial language, “signify” is sometimes used to mean “important” or “meaningful.” This usage is not technically correct, but it is commonly accepted in casual conversation.

Example: “The fact that he didn’t show up to the meeting signifies that he doesn’t care about the project. This is a significant problem for us.”

3. Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions that use “signify” or “significant” in ways that do not follow the usual rules. These expressions should be learned as phrases, rather than as individual words.

Idiomatic Expression	Meaning	Example
Signify nothing	To have no importance or meaning	“His apology signified nothing to me.”
Significant other	A romantic partner	“I’m going out to dinner with my significant other.”
Significant digits	The digits in a number that carry meaning	“In the number 0.00345, the digits 3 and 4 are significant.”

By understanding these exceptions, you can use signify and significant with confidence and clarity in a variety of contexts.

Practice Exercises

If you’re looking to improve your understanding and usage of signify and significant, practicing with exercises can be a great way to do so. Here are some practice exercises to help you hone your skills:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either signify or significant:

1. The color red can ________ danger.
2. The new discovery is ________ for the field of medicine.
3. His silence ________ that something was wrong.
4. The company’s profits have ________ increased over the last year.
5. Her new job is ________ to her career goals.

Answer Key:

1. signify
2. significant
3. signified
4. significantly
5. significant

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

1. The __________ of the new policy is still unclear.
2. Her success in the competition __________ her hard work and dedication.
3. The symbol on the map __________ the location of the treasure.
4. The __________ of the storm caused widespread damage.
5. His words __________ that he was not happy with the decision.

Answer Key:

1. significance
2. signifies
3. signifies
4. significance
5. signified

By practicing with exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and usage of signify and significant. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence and choose the word that best fits the meaning you’re trying to convey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between “signify” and “significant” may seem small, but it can have a significant impact on the clarity and accuracy of your writing. Understanding the nuances of these words is just one example of why it’s important to continue learning about grammar and language use.

Key Takeaways From The Article:

• “Signify” means to indicate or convey a meaning, while “significant” means important or meaningful.
• Using “signify” when you mean “significant” can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
• It’s important to choose the right word for the context in order to convey your intended meaning clearly.
• Other similar word pairs, such as “imply” and “infer,” also have distinct meanings that are important to understand.

By paying attention to the words you use and their precise meanings, you can improve your writing and better communicate your ideas to your audience. Keep learning and practicing, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled writer.