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Signify vs Designate - What's the difference?

signify | designate |

As verbs the difference between signify and designate

is that signify is to give (something) a meaning or an importance while designate is to mark out and make known; to point out; to name; to indicate; to show; to distinguish by marks or description; to specify; as, to designate the boundaries of a country; to designate the rioters who are to be arrested.

As an adjective designate is

designated; appointed; chosen.

signify

English

Verb

(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.

    Synonyms

    * (l) * (l)

    designate

    English

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Designated; appointed; chosen.
  • Verb

    (designat)
  • To mark out and make known; to point out; to name; to indicate; to show; to distinguish by marks or description; to specify; as, to designate the boundaries of a country; to designate the rioters who are to be arrested.
  • To call by a distinctive title; to name.
  • * 1912 , Stratemeyer Syndicate, Baseball Joe on the School Nine Chapter 1
  • "Yes, let 'Sister' Davis have a whack at it too," urged George Bland. Tom Davis, who was Joe Matson's particular chum, was designated "Sister" because, in an incautious moment, when first coming to Excelsior Hall, he had shown a picture of his very pretty sister, Mabel.
  • To indicate or set apart for a purpose or duty; -- with to or for; to designate an officer for or to the command of a post or station.
  • Synonyms

    * name * denominate * style * entitle * characterize * describe * denote

    Derived terms

    * designated driver * designated hitter