Signing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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signing

[ˈsaɪnɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

The act of using hand movements and facial expressions to convey meaning while singing.

Synonyms

expressive singing, gesturing.

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Word Description / Examples
signing

Used when communicating through sign language, typically for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

  • She is signing the entire conversation for her deaf friend.
  • The teacher is signing to the students using American Sign Language.
gesturing

Used when communicating through physical movements, especially hand and arm movements, to express or emphasize ideas.

  • He was gesturing wildly to make his point clear.
  • She communicates with elaborate gesturing while telling stories.

Examples of usage

  • She was so talented at signing that she could communicate without saying a word.
  • Sign language interpreters often accompany singers at concerts to make the performance accessible to the deaf community.
Context #2 | Noun

politics

The act of officially agreeing to or ratifying a document or agreement by signing one's name.

Synonyms

endorsement, ratification.

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Word Description / Examples
signing

This term is duplicated in your list, so its context and examples would remain the same as previously described.

ratification

Use this in formal, legal, or political contexts when an agreement, treaty, or decision is officially validated and approved by a governing body or institution.

  • The ratification of the treaty was celebrated worldwide
  • The new law awaits the president's ratification
endorsement

This is often used in a business or promotional context when a person or entity supports a product, service, or idea publicly, usually for marketing purposes.

  • The celebrity's endorsement boosted the product's sales
  • The project received official endorsement from the government

Examples of usage

  • The signing of the peace treaty marked the end of the conflict.
  • The president's signing of the bill into law was met with both praise and criticism.
Context #3 | Noun

astrology

A specific placement of a planet in the zodiac, often believed to have significance for an individual's personality or destiny.

Synonyms

alignment, positioning.

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Word Description / Examples
signing

Use this word when referring to the act of writing one's name on a document, usually to show consent or approval.

  • She completed the signing of the contract
  • The athlete had a signing event for fans
positioning

Use this word when talking about placing something or someone in a particular position or location, often strategically.

  • The photographer was careful with the positioning of the lights
  • Marketing strategies focus on the positioning of the product in the market
alignment

This word is best used to describe the arrangement of elements in a line or in proper coordination with each other.

  • The alignment of the car's wheels was off
  • The project team worked on the alignment of their goals

Examples of usage

  • Her sun sign's signing in Scorpio explained her mysterious and intense demeanor.
  • The astrologer analyzed the different signs and signings in his birth chart to provide insights into his future.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culture

  • Different cultures have their own sign languages, like American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and others, each with unique signs and grammar.
  • In some cultures, signing is not just about individual words but also incorporates facial expressions and body language to convey meaning.
  • Deaf culture often embraces signing as a primary mode of communication, fostering a rich community and identity through shared language.

Education

  • Signing is often taught to hearing children as a way to enhance communication skills and verbal development.
  • Research shows that incorporating signs in early education can improve language acquisition and literacy in young learners.
  • Sign language interpreters play a crucial role in ensuring access to education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Technology

  • Recent innovations in technology have led to the development of apps and devices that facilitate signing for better communication.
  • Artificial intelligence is being integrated to recognize and translate sign language into spoken language, bridging gaps in communication.
  • Virtual reality platforms are exploring sign language avatars to create immersive experiences for deaf users.

Psychology

  • Studies show that using sign language can enhance cognitive flexibility and memory retention due to its visual-motor nature.
  • Signing engages more areas of the brain, often leading to better problem-solving skills in bilingual individuals compared to those who use one language.
  • Emotional expression can be heightened through signing, as it allows for more nuanced communication of feelings through gestures.

Origin of 'signing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'signing' comes from the Latin word 'signare', which means 'to mark' or 'to make a sign'.
  • In English, 'sign' has been used since the 14th century, evolving alongside language and communication.
  • The suffix 'ing' indicates the action of making signs, showing its use in different forms of communication.

The word 'signing' derives from the Old English 'signan' which means 'to mark, to make a sign'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various contexts such as music, politics, and astrology. The act of signing has been an integral part of human communication and formal agreements for centuries, with cultural and symbolic significance across different societies.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,496 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.