sign
A2Neutral, used across all registers from formal to informal.
Definition
Meaning
A visible mark, gesture, or object that conveys information, an instruction, or an indication of something; to write one's name on a document to authenticate it.
A symptom or clue; a gesture used in sign language; an event regarded as a portent; a symbol used in mathematics or logic; a posted notice; to engage a player by signing a contract.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word functions both as a noun (a thing) and a verb (an action). The core verb sense is 'to write one's signature', but it extends to agreeing formally (sign a contract) and to communicating via gesture (sign language).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in derived forms (e.g., signalled/signaled, signalling/signaling). In the context of roads, 'signpost' is more common in UK English; 'road sign' is universal. The phrase 'sign up to' (agree to) is more British; 'sign up for' is more American.
Connotations
Similar in both dialects. The word carries connotations of authority, formality (when signing documents), and intention (signalling).
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
sign + noun (document)sign + that-clause (indicative)sign + for/with + organizationsign + adverb (away, off, on)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a sign of the times”
- “sign on the dotted line”
- “sign of life”
- “sign one's own death warrant”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To formally agree by signing a contract, lease, or agreement.
Academic
Used in logic (mathematical signs), semiotics (the study of signs), and medicine (clinical signs).
Everyday
Referring to street signs, symptoms of illness, or giving a thumbs-up sign.
Technical
In computing (digital signature), astronomy (zodiac sign), and medicine (vital signs).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Please sign the form at the bottom.
- The government signed up to the new climate agreement.
- She signed for the parcel.
American English
- You need to sign the lease before moving in.
- He signed up for the new streaming service.
- The player was signed by the Lakers.
adjective
British English
- The sign language interpreter was excellent.
- We followed the signposted route.
American English
- She is fluent in American Sign Language.
- Look for the signed copy of the book.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There's a stop sign on the corner.
- Please sign your name here.
- Dark clouds are a sign of rain.
- The doctor checked all the patient's vital signs.
- They refused to sign the agreement without legal advice.
- She gave me a sign to be quiet.
- The crumbling infrastructure is a telling sign of neglected public investment.
- The club is hoping to sign two new strikers in the transfer window.
- His resignation was seen as a sign of the internal strife within the party.
- The treaty was signed under duress, which may affect its validity under international law.
- The subtle signs of cognitive decline were evident only to the trained specialist.
- He signed away his inheritance rights without fully comprehending the consequences.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a large neon SIGN that says 'SIGN here' with an arrow pointing to a dotted line.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE SIGNED FOR (e.g., 'I sign off on that idea'), THE FUTURE IS A LANDSCAPE WITH SIGNS (e.g., 'all the signs point to success').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse 'sign' (знак, подпись) with 'signal' (сигнал) in all contexts. 'Sign a document' is 'подписать документ', not 'сигнализировать'.
- The noun 'sign' for a shop sign is 'вывеска', not 'подпись'.
- 'Sign language' is 'язык жестов', not 'знаковый язык'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He signed the contract with the company.' (Better: 'He signed a contract with the company.')
- Confusing 'sign' (n.) with 'sigh' (v.).
- Using 'sign' as a synonym for 'write' in non-authentication contexts (e.g., 'Sign a letter to a friend' is odd; 'write' is correct).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'sign' used as a noun meaning 'a piece of evidence'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'sign' directly indicates or represents something (e.g., a road sign). A 'symbol' is more abstract and represents an idea or concept through association (e.g., a dove is a symbol of peace). All symbols are signs, but not all signs are symbols.
In formal writing, 'sign in to' is preferred (verb + preposition + object). 'Sign into' is common in informal usage but can be ambiguous. For clarity, use 'sign in to your account'.
In medicine, a 'sign' is an objective, observable indication of a medical condition (e.g., a fever or rash), as opposed to a 'symptom', which is subjective and reported by the patient (e.g., pain or nausea).
It has multiple meanings: 1) To give formal approval (sign off on a project). 2) To end a communication, especially in broadcasting (The presenter signed off at midnight). 3) To stop claiming state unemployment benefits.