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sign
/saɪn/
indication or symbol
She noticed a sign warning about wet floors.
A sign is a visible indication or symbol conveying information.
general
A visible indication or symbol conveying information or instructions.
The restaurant had a sign advertising its daily specials.
A sign can be used to display information about products or services.
He gave me a sign to indicate he was ready.
A sign can also be a gesture or action conveying a message.
Signs can be physical objects, gestures, or even digital displays.
Law
formal
To write one's name on a document, indicating agreement or approval.
The contract was signed by both parties.
Signing a document legally binds the parties involved.
In legal contexts, signing is a formal act of agreement.
general
To communicate through gestures or symbols.
She signed to her friend using American Sign Language.
Signing can refer to using a sign language to communicate.
Signing is a method of communication for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'sign' changes based on whether it's used as a noun or verb, and the context in which it appears.
Gold Rule
Legal Context
When 'sign' is used as a verb in legal contexts, it refers to formally endorsing a document, which has legal implications.
Word Origin
From Old English 'segn', meaning 'a token or symbol'. Related to Old Norse 'segn' and Old High German 'segan'.
Usage Notes
The word 'sign' can be both a noun and a verb, with meanings varying by context. In formal contexts, 'sign' as a verb refers to legally endorsing a document.
Word Breakdown
sign
a symbol or indication
rootEnglish Dictionary