Signposts: meaning, definitions and examples

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signposts

[ˈsaɪnˌpoʊsts ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

direction

Signposts are objects, typically made of wood or metal, that provide information about directions or locations, often used for navigation.

Synonyms

guideposts, waymarkers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
signposts	These are usually found on roads or paths to provide directions or indicate important locations. They can be used metaphorically to signify guidance in making decisions. We followed the signposts to reach the museum. His advice served as signposts in my career.
guideposts	These are more commonly used metaphorically to mean principles or benchmarks that guide decisions and actions. While they can also refer to physical signs, the metaphorical use is more prevalent. Ethical standards are the guideposts of our company. In life, values act as guideposts to steer us in the right direction.
waymarkers	These are specifically used to mark footpaths, trails, or hiking routes. They ensure that hikers do not lose their way. The waymarkers along the trail helped us stay on the right path. Without the waymarkers, it would have been easy to get lost in the forest.

Word

Description / Examples

signposts

These are usually found on roads or paths to provide directions or indicate important locations. They can be used metaphorically to signify guidance in making decisions.

We followed the signposts to reach the museum.
His advice served as signposts in my career.

guideposts

These are more commonly used metaphorically to mean principles or benchmarks that guide decisions and actions. While they can also refer to physical signs, the metaphorical use is more prevalent.

Ethical standards are the guideposts of our company.
In life, values act as guideposts to steer us in the right direction.

waymarkers

These are specifically used to mark footpaths, trails, or hiking routes. They ensure that hikers do not lose their way.

The waymarkers along the trail helped us stay on the right path.
Without the waymarkers, it would have been easy to get lost in the forest.

Examples of usage

Follow the signposts to reach the nearest gas station.
The signposts on the hiking trail helped us find our way back to the campsite.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

indication

Signposts can also refer to indications or signals that provide guidance or warnings.

Synonyms

indicator, signal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
signposts	Signposts are often used when giving directions, both literally and figuratively. They help guide someone along a path or towards a goal, often used in a physical context like traveling. The signposts along the highway clearly showed the way to the nearest city. In her speech, she provided signposts to help the audience follow her main points.
indicator	Indicator is typically used to refer to a device or a sign that shows the state or level of something. It is often used in technical, scientific, or measurement contexts. The fuel gauge serves as an indicator of how much gas is left in the tank. Economic indicators suggest that the market is heading towards a recession.
signal	Signal generally refers to a gesture, action, or sound that is used to convey information or instructions. It is commonly used in communication, technology, and transportation. She gave a signal for the team to start the operation. The traffic light turned green, giving the drivers a clear signal to go.

Word

Description / Examples

signposts

Signposts are often used when giving directions, both literally and figuratively. They help guide someone along a path or towards a goal, often used in a physical context like traveling.

The signposts along the highway clearly showed the way to the nearest city.
In her speech, she provided signposts to help the audience follow her main points.

indicator

Indicator is typically used to refer to a device or a sign that shows the state or level of something. It is often used in technical, scientific, or measurement contexts.

The fuel gauge serves as an indicator of how much gas is left in the tank.
Economic indicators suggest that the market is heading towards a recession.

signal

Signal generally refers to a gesture, action, or sound that is used to convey information or instructions. It is commonly used in communication, technology, and transportation.

She gave a signal for the team to start the operation.
The traffic light turned green, giving the drivers a clear signal to go.

Examples of usage

The sudden change in temperature was a signpost of the approaching storm.
His refusal to answer was a signpost that something was wrong.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The first known signposts date back to ancient Rome, where they used stones to mark distances and directions on roads.
In the Middle Ages, wooden signposts became common in Europe, often painted with symbols that represented businesses or towns.
During the 18th century, the use of painted signposts became standardized in England, aiding travelers in finding their way.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, signposts are seen as symbols of guidance and clarity, often reflecting one's life journey and decisions.
In literature, signposts can represent important choices or turning points, guiding characters toward different paths in their stories.
In folk tales, mystical signposts sometimes appear to show protagonists the right path or to deliver crucial messages from the universe.

Science and Psychology

Research shows that clear directional signs can reduce stress and anxiety in travelers, helping them feel more secure and oriented.
Psychologically, signposts in a situation can symbolize decision-making moments, where people weigh their options before making a choice.
Visual cues like signposts can trigger spatial memory, helping individuals recall certain routes or locations they've visited before.

Modern Usage

Today, digital signposts appear in the form of GPS systems and smartphone apps, guiding people in real-time with voice and visual instructions.
In urban design, effective signposts are crucial for wayfinding in cities, providing information about attractions, public transit, and routes.
Signposts have also entered the corporate world, referring to indicators that guide decision-making processes and strategic direction.

Art and Literature

Visual artists often use signposts in their works to symbolize direction or choices, commenting on the journeys of life.
In poetry and storytelling, signposts can serve as metaphors for larger themes, exploring the idea of choice, guidance, and fate.
Children's literature frequently features signposts as whimsical characters, helping protagonists navigate challenges and adventures.

Translations

Translations of the word "signposts" in other languages:

🇵🇹 postes de sinalização

🇮🇳 संकेत पोस्ट

🇩🇪 Wegweiser

🇮🇩 rambu-rambu

🇺🇦 дорожні знаки

🇵🇱 znaki drogowe

🇯🇵 標識

🇫🇷 panneaux de signalisation

🇪🇸 señales

🇹🇷 yol işaretleri

🇰🇷 표지판

🇸🇦 إشارات المرور

🇨🇿 dopravní značky

🇸🇰 dopravné značky

🇨🇳 路标

🇸🇮 prometni znaki

🇮🇸 leiðarmerki

🇰🇿 жол белгілері

🇬🇪 სანიშნეები

🇦🇿 yol nişanları

🇲🇽 señales de tráfico