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Sign: meaning, definitions and examples

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sign

 

[ saɪn ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

road

A board displaying the name of a street or road.

Synonyms

board, notice, plaque

Examples of usage

  • I couldn't find my way because the sign was missing.
  • The signpost pointed towards the city center.
Context #2 | Noun

symbol

An object, quality, or event whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else.

Synonyms

indication, signal, warning

Examples of usage

  • The dark clouds were a sign of an approaching storm.
  • Her smile was a sign of happiness.
Context #3 | Verb

communicate

To communicate by making a gesture or action.

Synonyms

gesture, indicate, signal

Examples of usage

  • He signed that he needed help.
  • She signed to him to be quiet.

Translations

Translations of the word "sign" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sinal

🇮🇳 संकेत

🇩🇪 Zeichen

🇮🇩 tanda

🇺🇦 знак

🇵🇱 znak

🇯🇵 サイン

🇫🇷 signe

🇪🇸 señal

🇹🇷 işaret

🇰🇷 신호

🇸🇦 إشارة

🇨🇿 znamení

🇸🇰 znak

🇨🇳 标志

🇸🇮 znak

🇮🇸 merki

🇰🇿 белгі

🇬🇪 ნიშანი

🇦🇿 işarə

🇲🇽 señal

Etymology

The word 'sign' originated from the Latin word 'signum', which means mark, token, or indication. It has been used in various forms and contexts throughout history, evolving to represent different meanings and concepts. Signs have played a crucial role in communication, navigation, and interpretation, serving as symbols of information, warnings, directions, and more.

See also: cosigner, ensign, signage, signal, signatory, signature, signer, significant, signify, signing, signs.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,427, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.