What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
represents
Example
The dove represents peace and harmony. [represents: verb]
Example
The union representative spoke on behalf of the workers. [representative: noun]
Example
The graph represents the growth of the company over the past year. [represents: verb]
signify
Example
A nod of the head can signify agreement or approval. [signify: verb]
Example
The dark clouds signify an approaching storm. [signify: verb]
Example
The word 'red' signifies passion and intensity. [signifies: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Represents is more commonly used than signify in everyday language. Represents is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while signify is less common and may be more commonly used in academic or formal writing.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between represents and signify?
Both represents and signify can be used in formal contexts, but represents is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
