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Autograph Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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autograph

au-to-graph

🇺🇸 /ˈɔtəˌɡɹæf/ · 🇬🇧 /ˈɔːtəɡɹˌæf/

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

signed item

A signature, especially that of a famous person.

Synonyms

endorsement, inscription, signature.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
autograph

use when referring to a person's handwritten signature, especially when it is given as a memento or collectible from someone famous.

  • He waited in line for two hours to get the celebrity's autograph.
  • I have an autograph of my favorite baseball player on this baseball.
signature

use when referring to a person's name written by themself, usually on a document to indicate agreement, acceptance, or validation.

  • Please add your signature at the bottom of the contract.
  • The painting had the artist's signature in the lower right corner.
inscription

refers specifically to writing that is engraved, carved, or written as a formal dedication in a book or on a monument.

  • The ancient coin had a Latin inscription around its edge.
  • He found a lovely inscription inside the book: 'To my dearest friend.'
endorsement

typically used in a commercial or promotional context when a person, often a celebrity, publicly supports or agrees with a product, service, or idea.

  • The athlete's endorsement of the new sports drink significantly boosted its sales.
  • She received an endorsement from a famous actor for her new book.

Examples of usage

  • I got his autograph after the concert.
  • The boy collected autographs of famous athletes.
Context #2 | Verb

to sign

To write one's signature on something.

Synonyms

endorse, inscribe, sign.

Examples of usage

  • The author autographed copies of his book at the book signing event.
  • She asked him to autograph her poster.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “autograph”

Autograph is a 3-syllable noun and verb (au-to-graph). It is pronounced /ˈɔtəˌɡɹæf/ in American English and /ˈɔːtəɡɹˌæf/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #16,254 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“autograph” in pop culture

  • Celebrities often sign autographs at events, leading fans to consider them prized collectibles.
  • In the world of sports, famous athletes' autographs can significantly increase the value of memorabilia and trading cards.
  • Notably, some musicians and actors auction their autographs for charity, combining fan culture with philanthropy.

“autograph” in psychology

  • Getting an autograph can create a memorable emotional connection between fans and their idols.
  • Fan interactions such as autograph signing can enhance feelings of self-worth and joy for individuals.
  • Research shows that possessing a signed item can enhance a fan’s attachment to a celebrity or character.

“autograph” in history

  • Historically, autographs were used by famous figures like kings and queens to lend legitimacy to documents.
  • Famous autographs have played a role in history—Abraham Lincoln's signature on the Emancipation Proclamation is a notable example.
  • In the 18th century, collecting autographs became a popular hobby among the educated elite in Europe.

“autograph” in art

  • Many artists also used their own names as a form of signature, which can be seen as a precursor to autographs.
  • Art collectors often seek signed pieces from artists, adding value and provenance to artworks.
  • Signs of artistry and authenticity in autographs can be studied through forensic signature analysis.

Origin of 'autograph'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'autograph' comes from the Greek words 'auto' meaning 'self' and 'graph' meaning 'to write'.
  • The first known use of the word dates back to the late 16th century, reflecting a growing interest in personal signatures.
  • Historically, autographs were considered valuable not just for the name, but for the individual’s character and reputation.

The word 'autograph' originated from the Greek words 'autos' meaning 'self' and 'grapho' meaning 'write'. Initially, it referred to a person's own signature. Over time, it evolved to also mean the signature of a famous person or a collectible signed item.

See also: graph, grapheme, graphic, graphing, graphite, monograph, xylograph.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,254, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.