What is the difference between indicate and signify?

Definitions

indicate

- To point out or show something.

- To suggest or imply something.

- To give a sign or signal of something.

signify

- To represent or mean something.

- To be a symbol of something.

- To convey an important or significant message.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words convey meaning or information.
• 2. Both words can be used to describe symbols or signs.
• 3. Both words can be used to suggest or imply something.

What is the difference?

• 1. Usage: Indicate is more commonly used in everyday language, while signify is more formal and less common.
• 2. Meaning: Indicate refers to pointing out or showing something, while signify refers to representing or conveying a message.
• 3. Intensity: Signify implies a greater level of importance or significance than indicate.
• 4. Context: Indicate is often used in a neutral or objective context, while signify is often used in a subjective or emotional context.
• 5. Connotation: Indicate is associated with a factual or informative tone, while signify is associated with a more expressive or poetic tone.

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Remember this!

While both indicate and signify convey meaning or information, they differ in their usage, meaning, intensity, context, and connotation. Indicate is more commonly used and refers to pointing out or showing something, while signify is more formal and refers to representing or conveying a message with a greater level of importance or significance.