sign

/sain/

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Thân thiện

The hiker stopped to read the sign at the trailhead.

Definition

Noun:
- A mark, symbol, or gesture used to convey information, an idea, or a command: A "sign" is a visual or physical indicator, such as a traffic sign or a hand gesture.
- An objective indication or evidence of a condition, fact, or quality: A "sign" is something that shows the existence or presence of something else, like a symptom of illness or evidence of change.
- A publicly displayed structure bearing a notice or advertisement: A "sign" is a board, placard, or other display used to inform or advertise.
- An event or occurrence regarded as an omen or portent: A "sign" is something interpreted as indicating a future event, often of significance.
- One of the twelve divisions of the zodiac: In astrology, a "sign" refers to a specific segment of the zodiac, such as Aries or Libra.
Verb:
- To write one's name on a document to show agreement, authorization, or receipt: To "sign" means to affix a signature.
- To communicate or convey information using gestures, especially those of a sign language: To "sign" is to use a system of manual gestures to communicate.
- To employ a gesture to express or indicate something: To "sign" can mean to make a signal or gesture.
- To mark with a symbol or character: To "sign" can mean to inscribe or indicate with a specific mark.
- To engage or be engaged by a written contract: To "sign" means to formally agree to a contract or commitment.

Examples of Usage

Noun:
- The "STOP" sign is red and octagonal. (The visual indicator commanding drivers to halt is red and has eight sides.)
- Dark clouds are often a sign of rain. (Dark clouds are an indication that rain is likely.)
- They put up a "For Sale" sign in the yard. (They displayed a notice advertising the property's availability.)
- He saw the rainbow as a sign of hope. (He interpreted the rainbow as a positive omen.)
- Her zodiac sign is Taurus. (Her astrological division is Taurus.)
Verb:
- Please sign the contract on the dotted line. (Please write your name on the contract to agree to it.)
- She learned to sign to communicate with her deaf cousin. (She learned to use manual gestures for communication.)
- He signed for me to be quiet. (He used a gesture to signal that I should be silent.)
- The artist signed his name in the corner of the painting. (The artist wrote his name as a mark of authorship.)
- The team signed a new goalkeeper. (The team formally contracted a new goalkeeper.)

Advanced Usage

"A sign of the times": Something that is characteristic of or reveals the nature of the current period.
- The popularity of remote work is a sign of the times.
"To show no sign of": To give no indication or evidence of something.
- The patient showed no sign of improvement.
"To make a sign": To give a signal or gesture.
- He made a sign for the waiter to bring the check.

Variants and Related Words

Signal (n/v): A gesture, action, or sound conveying information or an instruction. (Related but often implies a deliberate message, especially in dynamic contexts like traffic.)
Signature (n): A person's name written in a distinctive way, used for authorization.
Signatory (n): A party that has signed an agreement, especially a state or organization on a treaty.
Signage (n): Signs collectively, especially commercial or public display signs.
Sign language (n): A system of communication using visual gestures and signs.

Synonyms

Noun: Indication, mark, symbol, signal, symptom, omen, portent, notice, board.
Verb: Autograph, endorse, initial, gesture, signal, inscribe, contract.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Sign away: To relinquish rights or property by signing a document.
- He foolishly signed away his inheritance.
Sign for: To sign a document to acknowledge receipt of something.
- I had to sign for the package.
Sign in/on: To register one's arrival or begin a session, often by signing a register or logging in.
- All visitors must sign in at the reception desk.
- The radio station signs on at 6 a.m.
Sign off: To end a communication, broadcast, or message; to give final approval.
- The broadcaster signed off with his usual catchphrase.
- My manager signed off on the project budget.
Sign out: To register one's departure, often by signing a register.
- Remember to sign out when you leave the building.
Sign up: To enlist or register for something, often by signing a form or contract.
- I signed up for a cooking class.

Related Idioms

Sign on the dotted line: To formally agree to something, especially by signing a contract.
- Once you sign on the dotted line, the deal is final.
A sure sign: A very reliable or definite indication.
- Birds singing is a sure sign that spring has arrived.
Signed, sealed, and delivered: Completely finished and formally executed (originally referring to a legal document).
- The agreement is signed, sealed, and delivered.

The hiker stopped to read the sign at the trailhead.

Adjective

Noun

a character indicating a relation between quantities
- don't forget the minus sign
a fundamental linguistic unit linking a signifier to that which is signified
- The bond between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary--de Saussure
a gesture that is part of a sign language
an event that is experienced as indicating important things to come
- he hoped it was an augury
- it was a sign from God
having an indicated pole (as the distinction between positive and negative electric charges)
- he got the polarity of the battery reversed
- charges of opposite sign
(medicine) any objective evidence of the presence of a disorder or disease
- there were no signs of asphyxiation
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
structure displaying a board on which advertisements can be posted
- the highway was lined with signboards
any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
- signals from the boat suddenly stopped
a public display of a message
- he posted signs in all the shop windows
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
- he showed signs of strain
- they welcomed the signs of spring

Verb

make the sign of the cross over someone in order to call on God for protection; consecrate
communicate in sign language
- I don't know how to sign, so I could not communicate with my deaf cousin
place signs, as along a road
- sign an intersection
- This road has been signed
communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs
- He signed his disapproval with a dismissive hand gesture
- The diner signaled the waiters to bring the menu
engage by written agreement
- They signed two new pitchers for the next season
be engaged by a written agreement
- He signed to play the casino on Dec. 18
- The soprano signed to sing the new opera
approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation
- All parties ratified the peace treaty
- Have you signed your contract yet?
mark with one's signature; write one's name (on)
- She signed the letter and sent it off
- Please sign here

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