what does it signify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what does it signify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking for the meaning or significance of something, often in a context where clarification is needed. Example: "In the context of this artwork, what does it signify about the artist's perspective on society?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But what does it signify?

The Guardian

IF A Muslim chemistry graduate takes an ill-paid job at a farm-supplies store what does it signify?

The Economist

But what stock market investors wanted to know after yesterday's frightening bungee jump in share prices was, what does it signify?

The New York Times

Atoms for Peace rests somewhere uneasily between progressive rock and electronic dance-music; it's as dependent on aggressive and transformative post-production as it is on the creation of tracks by people playing instruments — but where does that process come from, and what does it signify?

The New York Times

And what does it signify that the most enduring family on television right now is made up of cartoon characters ("The Simpsons")? "Was society the way it was portrayed on 'The Donna Reed Show' or 'Father Knows Best,' or was it an aspirational thing?" said Larry Jones, executive vice president and general manager of TV Land, which plays reruns 24 hours a day.

The New York Times - Arts

"What does it signify," Waltraud Perne, a social scientist and managing director of the Resability Forum, asks, "when Jürgen Habermas puts communication at the centre of his considerations?" (Germany's famous contemporary sociologist's characteristic articulation is due to a jaw anomaly. His main research field includes communication conditions in society).

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

What did it signify that a leading company with its eye on opportunity as well as equality felt comfortable speaking out so clearly?

Huffington Post

What did it signify?

The New Yorker

What does it all signify?

The New York Times

How much does it signify?

The Guardian

What, some asked, did it signify about the government's larger understanding of world events?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what does it signify" when you want to understand the deeper meaning or importance of an event, symbol, or action. It's particularly effective in analytical or interpretive contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "what does it signify" in everyday conversations where simpler alternatives like "what does it mean" would suffice. The phrase is more suitable for formal analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what does it signify" functions as an interrogative phrase used to elicit an explanation of the deeper meaning or importance of something. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, often in contexts requiring clarification.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what does it signify" is a grammatically sound phrase used to inquire about the deeper meaning or importance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for analytical and interpretive contexts, appearing frequently in news, media, and scientific sources. While simpler alternatives exist, this phrase carries a nuance of formality and depth. Avoid overuse in casual settings and appreciate its potential to spark insightful analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is the significance of it

Focuses on the importance or consequence rather than just the meaning.

what is the meaning of it

Directly asks for the definition or explanation.

what does it imply

Asks about the indirect suggestion or consequence.

what is its import

Uses a more formal term for importance or significance.

what is the upshot of it

Focuses on the final result or consequence.

what is the message behind it

Seeks the underlying communication or idea.

what are the ramifications of it

Explores the potential consequences or effects.

what is the purpose of it

Asks about the intended goal or aim.

what lesson does it teach

Focuses on the moral or instructive aspect.

what value does it hold

Inquires about the worth or usefulness.

FAQs

How can I use "what does it signify" in a sentence?

You can use "what does it signify" to ask about the deeper meaning or importance of something. For example: "In the context of this artwork, what does it signify about the artist's perspective on society?"

What's a simpler way to ask "what does it signify"?

If you're looking for a more straightforward alternative, you can ask "what does it mean" or "what is its significance".

Is "what does it signify" appropriate for casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "what does it signify" is more suited for formal or analytical contexts. Simpler phrases are often better for casual conversation.

What is the nuance between "what does it mean" and "what does it signify"?

"What does it mean" generally asks for a direct definition or explanation, while "what does it signify" inquires about the deeper importance, symbolism, or implication.