Portray vs Signify - What's the difference?

As verbs the difference between portray and signify

is that portray is to paint or draw the likeness of while signify is to give (something) a meaning or an importance.

* pourtray

(en verb)

To paint or draw the likeness of.

(figuratively) To describe in words; to convey.

To play a role; to depict a character, person, situation, or event.

To adorn with pictures.

(en-verb)

To give (something) a meaning or an importance.

To show one’s intentions with a sign etc.

* (rfdate) (William Shakespeare)

I'll to the king; and signify to him / That thus I have resign'd my charge to you.

* (rfdate) (Jonathan Swift)

The government should signify to the Protestants of Ireland that want of silver is not to be remedied.

To mean; to betoken.

* (rfdate) (William Shakespeare)

A tale / Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, / Signifying nothing.

* (l) * (l)