Signify vs Dignify - What's the difference?

As verbs the difference between signify and dignify

is that signify is to give (something) a meaning or an importance while dignify is to invest with dignity or honour.

(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)

to invest with dignity or honour

to give distinction to

to exalt in rank

to honor.

Your worth will dignify our feast. - B. Jonson.

* exalt * elevate * prefer * advance * honor * illustrate * adorn * ennoble