Indicate vs Signify

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Indicate

Top 1,000 (very common) B1 verb

Signify

Top 2,000 (common) B1 verb

Most common: Indicate

	Indicate	Signify
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪts/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪts/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪŋ/"]/	🇬🇧 //ˈsɪɡ.nɪ.faɪ// 🇺🇸 //ˈsɪɡ.nɪ.faɪ//
Meaning	to show or point out something	To mean or show something.
Example	Please indicate your choice on the ballot.	The red light signifies to stop your vehicle.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level	B1	B1
Part of speech	verb	verb
Collocations	clearly, strongly, not necessarily, appear to, seem to, be used to, to, indicate otherwise, clearly, strongly, not necessarily, appear to, seem to, be used to, to, indicate otherwise	signify a meaning, signify importance, signify change, signify relationship
Antonyms	hide, ignore, conceal	dissociate, disconnect
Common mistakes	Confused with 'indicate' vs 'demonstrate', Using 'indicate' with subject without an object, Misplacing the verb tense, e.g., 'indicated' when now is meant	Confusing 'signify' with 'symbolize' - they have slightly different uses., Using 'signify' in informal contexts where 'mean' is more appropriate., Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'it signifies' without specifying what.
Usage notes	Commonly used in both written and spoken English. Appropriate in formal and academic contexts; less frequent in casual conversations. Not typically used when giving direct orders.	Use 'signify' to indicate meaning in formal and neutral contexts. Avoid in casual conversations.

See it in real clips

"Reports from the front indicate James did his duty in combat

Agent Carter › S1 E1

"An orange glow would indicate

"Reports from the front indicate James did his duty in combat

Agent Carter › S1 E1

"An orange glow would indicate

Indicate

Frequently asked questions: Indicate vs Signify

What's the difference between Indicate and Signify?

Indicate: to show or point out something Signify: To mean or show something.

Which is more common: Indicate and Signify?

Indicate is the most common in everyday English.

Are Indicate and Signify the same CEFR level?

Indicate: B1, Signify: B1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Indicate and Signify?

Indicate: verb, Signify: verb.

Can you show an example of each?

Indicate: Please indicate your choice on the ballot. Signify: The red light signifies to stop your vehicle.

Can I use Indicate and Signify interchangeably?

Not always. Indicate and Signify are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.