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Signatory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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signatory

[ˈsɪɡ.nə.tər.i ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal document

A person or organization that has signed an official agreement or document, especially a treaty.

Synonyms

contractor, party to the agreement, signer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
signatory

Used to refer to a person, organization, or country that has signed an official agreement, treaty, or document. It is often used in legal, diplomatic, or formal settings.

  • The United States is a signatory to the Paris Agreement on climate change.
  • All signatories of the contract must adhere to the agreed terms.
signer

Used to describe someone who signs a document, often without the formal or legal overtones implied by 'signatory'. It is commonly used in everyday or casual contexts.

  • She was the last signer of the petition.
  • The signer of this form confirms acceptance of the terms.
party to the agreement

This phrase refers to any person or group that is part of a formal agreement or contract. It is often used in legal and business contexts to emphasize the involvement of one or more entities in an agreement.

  • Each party to the agreement must comply with the stipulated terms.
  • The company and its suppliers are parties to the agreement.
contractor

Refers to a person or company that undertakes a contract to provide materials or labor to perform a service or do a job. Commonly used in business, construction, and other trades.

  • The building project will be completed by an external contractor.
  • We hired a contractor to renovate our kitchen.

Examples of usage

  • The signatories of the peace treaty gathered for the official signing ceremony.
  • As a signatory of the contract, you are bound by its terms and conditions.
Context #2 | Noun

diplomacy

A country that has signed a treaty or other formal agreement.

Synonyms

member state, participant, signing nation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
signatory

This word is used to refer to a country, organization, or individual that has signed an agreement, treaty, or contract. It emphasizes the act of signing.

  • The signatory nations agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • As a signatory to the trade agreement, the country must reduce tariffs on imported goods.
participant

This term is used to refer to anyone who takes part in an event, activity, or situation, not necessarily involving a formal agreement or signing.

  • All participants in the conference will receive a certificate of attendance.
  • He was a key participant in the negotiations.
member state

This term is commonly used within international organizations to describe a country that is a part of a larger group or union. It highlights membership status within an organization.

  • Each member state of the European Union must comply with its laws and regulations.
  • The United Nations has 193 member states, each with its own unique contribution.
signing nation

This phrase is similar to 'signatory' but is specifically used to highlight the act of a nation signing an international agreement or treaty. It is more specific and formal.

  • The signing nations committed to the terms outlined in the Paris Agreement.
  • Representatives from the signing nations gathered to officially endorse the treaty.

Examples of usage

  • The United States is a signatory to the Geneva Conventions.
  • Australia is a signatory to the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal terms, a signatory's role can be crucial in international treaties, making them both accountable and responsible.
  • When two or more parties agree to a contract, each becomes a signatory, ensuring that all are bound by its terms.
  • Not all signatories are equal; sometimes, some hold more power in negotiations, such as lead nations in a treaty.

International Relations

  • Many global agreements, like the Paris Agreement on climate change, rely on signatory nations to commit to their promises.
  • The concept of a collective action among signatories is important in peace treaties, where everyone agrees to collaborate.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict signature moments where characters become signatories of major life changes, like contracts or oaths.
  • Famous sports contracts feature star athletes as signatories, often accompanied by media fanfare.

Education

  • In schools, signing a parent-teacher agreement means that parents are signatories in their child's education.
  • Educational institutions may require signatory approval on various documents, like loan agreements or research ethics.

Origin of 'signatory'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'signator', which means 'one who signs'.
  • It evolved through the Middle English term 'signatorie', reflecting its legal ties.
  • The prefix 'sign-' relates to marking something with importance, while '-tory' indicates a state of being involved.

The word 'signatory' originated from the Latin word 'signatorius', which means 'of a seal'. It first appeared in the mid-17th century in the context of formal agreements and treaties. The concept of signatories has been an integral part of legal and diplomatic practices, ensuring that parties involved in agreements are bound by their commitments. Today, signatories play a crucial role in international relations and the enforcement of treaties.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,406, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.