Signed: meaning, definitions and examples

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signed

 

[ saɪnd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal agreement

To 'sign' means to write one's name on a document, thereby indicating approval, agreement, or acknowledgment of its contents. This act is often legally binding, especially in contracts and official documents. Signing can also refer to the act of indicating consent, such as signing a petition or approval form. In many cultures, signatures are considered an essential part of formal validations and transactions.

Synonyms

autograph, inscribe, subscribe, validate

Examples of usage

  • She signed the contract for the new house.
  • Make sure to sign the document before submitting it.
  • He signed his name at the bottom of the page.
  • The artist signed the painting after completing it.
Context #2 | Verb

musical notation

In a musical context, to sign can refer to the act of indicating with symbols or notation how a piece of music should be played or interpreted. This might include dynamics, tempo markings, or other instructions. This usage demonstrates the broader interpretative role that composers and arrangers play in music.

Synonyms

indicate, notate

Examples of usage

  • The composer signed the sheet music with specific instructions.
  • He signed the score to indicate how loud the sections should be.
  • Musicians often sign pieces to clarify their intentions.
  • The arrangement was signed to guide performers.

Translations

Translations of the word "signed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assinado

🇮🇳 हस्ताक्षरित

🇩🇪 unterzeichnet

🇮🇩 ditandatangani

🇺🇦 підписаний

🇵🇱 podpisany

🇯🇵 署名された

🇫🇷 signé

🇪🇸 firmado

🇹🇷 imzalı

🇰🇷 서명된

🇸🇦 موقع

🇨🇿 podepsaný

🇸🇰 podpísaný

🇨🇳 签署的

🇸🇮 podpisan

🇮🇸 undirritað

🇰🇿 қол қойылған

🇬🇪 მოწერილი

🇦🇿 imzalanmış

🇲🇽 firmado

Etymology

The word 'signed' is derived from the Middle English word 'signe,' which in turn comes from the Old French 'signe,' and ultimately traces back to the Latin 'signum,' meaning 'mark' or 'token.' The Latin root reflects the function of a signature as a mark of authenticity. Over the centuries, the act of signing documents has evolved as a critical part of legal and formal communication. The importance of signatures has grown, especially with the rise of bureaucratic systems in both civic and commercial contexts. During the Renaissance, the use of signatures became more standardized, with individuals adopting unique strokes to represent their names, which set the foundation for modern practices. Today, signing is not limited to paper; digital signatures are increasingly common due to technological advancements.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,636, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.