signal
HighNeutral
Definition
Meaning
A gesture, action, or sound that conveys information or instructions.
In technology, an electrical impulse or radio wave for data transmission; broadly, any indication or sign of something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Functions as both noun and verb; noun often refers to physical or abstract signs, verb means to indicate or communicate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling differences; usage is largely identical. In British English, 'signal' may be more associated with railways (e.g., signal box), but this is minor.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, implying communication or indication.
Frequency
Equally frequent in British and American English across contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
signal to [someone]signal that [clause]signal [something] to [someone]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “signal the end”
- “give the signal”
- “mixed signals”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to market signals or indicators of economic trends, e.g., 'The CEO's statement sent a strong signal to shareholders.'
Academic
Used in fields like communication studies or engineering, e.g., 'The study analyzed neural signals in the brain.'
Everyday
Common for gestures or signs, e.g., 'She gave a signal to start the meeting.'
Technical
In electronics or telecommunications, e.g., 'The device amplifies weak signals for better reception.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The cyclist signalled before turning right.
- They signalled their approval with a nod.
American English
- The driver signaled to change lanes.
- She signaled her intention to resign.
adverb
British English
- He succeeded signally in his efforts.
- The plan failed signally due to poor execution.
American English
- She was signally recognized for her contributions.
- The experiment signally demonstrated the theory.
adjective
British English
- It was a signal victory for the team.
- The signal failure of the project led to reviews.
American English
- The signal light was malfunctioning.
- This is a signal moment in history.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The traffic signal turned green.
- Give me a signal when you're ready.
- He used a hand signal to stop the car.
- The bell is a signal for the end of class.
- The government's new policy sent a clear signal to the international community.
- In radio communication, a weak signal can cause disruptions.
- Advanced algorithms are used to filter noise from signals in data transmission.
- Her subtle gestures served as signals of her underlying anxiety.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'signal' as a 'sign' that 'tells' a message – it signals information.
Conceptual Metaphor
Communication as signaling; life as a series of signals to interpret.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend with Russian 'сигнал', which is similar but may have narrower use in some contexts; e.g., in English, 'signal' can be more abstract.
- Avoid direct translation for phrases like 'signal event' which might not align with Russian usage.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'signal' as a verb without an object when context requires one, e.g., 'He signalled' instead of 'He signalled to me.'
- Confusing 'signal' with 'sign' in formal writing; 'signal' often implies intentional communication.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a common technical collocation with 'signal'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'signal' is commonly used as both a noun (e.g., 'a warning signal') and a verb (e.g., 'to signal approval').
'Signal' often implies an intentional or formal communication, while 'sign' can be more general or natural, such as a sign of weather.
In American English, 'signal' is typically pronounced as /ˈsɪɡnəl/, with stress on the first syllable.
No, 'signally' meaning notably or remarkably is considered formal and less common in everyday speech.