What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
indicate
Example
The map indicates that the nearest gas station is 10 miles away. [indicates: verb]
Example
His tone of voice indicated that he was not happy with the situation. [indicated: past tense]
signify
Example
The red light on the dashboard signifies that there is a problem with the engine. [signifies: verb]
Example
Her silence during the meeting signified her disagreement with the proposal. [signified: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indicate is more commonly used in everyday language than signify, which is more formal and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between indicate and signify?
Signify is more formal than indicate and is often used in academic or literary contexts, while indicate is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
