0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Sign

saɪn
Very common
1000 - 1100
1000-1100, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
A gesture or action used to convey information or instructions, A mark or object that indicates a particular condition, direction, or location, An event, object, or phenomenon that serves as a portent of something to come, A symbol or indicator used to represent something specific

Sign - Meanings

A gesture or action used to convey information or instructions

Example: She gave him a thumbs up sign to indicate that everything was okay.
Usage: informalContext: everyday communication
Note: Commonly used in non-verbal communication

A mark or object that indicates a particular condition, direction, or location

Example: The sign on the door said 'Push'.
Usage: formalContext: public spaces
Note: Signage is important for providing information in public places

An event, object, or phenomenon that serves as a portent of something to come

Example: The dark clouds were a sign of an approaching storm.
Usage: formalContext: describing natural occurrences
Note: Can be used metaphorically to indicate a warning or prediction

A symbol or indicator used to represent something specific

Example: The plus sign (+) indicates addition in mathematics.
Usage: formalContext: academic or technical contexts
Note: Signs are often used in various fields to convey meaning

Sign's synonyms

symbol

A symbol is something that represents or stands for something else.
Example: The dove is often seen as a symbol of peace.
Note: While a sign can convey information or give direction, a symbol typically represents an abstract concept or idea.

indication

An indication is a sign or piece of information that suggests something is true or likely.
Example: His tired eyes were an indication that he had been working all night.
Note: An indication is more subtle and suggestive compared to a straightforward sign.

signal

A signal is a gesture, action, or sound conveying information or an order.
Example: The traffic light turned red, signaling us to stop.
Note: While a sign is generally static, a signal is often dynamic and can prompt a specific response.

mark

A mark is a visible trace or impression left by something.
Example: The scratch on the wall was a mark of the previous tenant's carelessness.
Note: A mark can be physical or metaphorical, whereas a sign is more explicitly intended to convey a message or information.

Sign expressions, common phrases

Sign up

To register or enroll for something
Example: I need to sign up for the workshop before the deadline.
Note: The phrase 'sign up' goes beyond just writing a signature; it implies joining or committing to something.

Sign off

To approve or agree to something, often by signing a document
Example: The manager signed off on the project proposal.
Note: It indicates giving official approval rather than just signing one's name.

Sign in

To officially record one's arrival at a place, often by writing one's name
Example: Please sign in at the reception desk before entering the building.
Note: It involves confirming one's presence rather than just creating a signature.

Sign of the times

An indication of the current trends or characteristics of a particular period
Example: The widespread use of smartphones is a sign of the times.
Note: It signifies a broader societal or cultural aspect rather than a physical or literal sign.

Signed, sealed, delivered

To indicate that something is completed, finalized, and official
Example: The contract is signed, sealed, and delivered, so it's legally binding now.
Note: It signifies the completion of a process with all necessary steps taken, beyond just signing a document.

For all intents and purposes

Essentially or practically; in effect
Example: The project is, for all intents and purposes, complete.
Note: It emphasizes the practical reality of a situation rather than focusing on formalities.

A sign of things to come

An indication of what will happen in the future
Example: The company's recent layoffs are a sign of things to come.
Note: It suggests a prediction or foresight into future events based on current signs or trends.

Sign on the dotted line

To agree to something formally by signing a document
Example: The deal is great; just sign on the dotted line to make it official.
Note: It emphasizes the specific act of signing a document to finalize an agreement or commitment.

Sign everyday (slang) expressions

Sign me up

Expresses enthusiastic agreement or willingness to participate in something.
Example: A: Hey, we're organizing a beach cleanup this weekend. B: Sign me up!
Note: The slang term 'Sign me up' conveys eagerness or readiness to join or participate in an activity, as opposed to simply observing or acknowledging a sign.

Signed, sealed, and delivered

Indicates that something is completed, finalized, and irrevocable.
Example: The contract is signed, sealed, and delivered. We're officially partners now.
Note: This phrase suggests that not only has something been signed, but it has been fully executed and is now binding, like a legal contract.

Sign of relief

An expression of feeling relieved or reassured.
Example: I breathed a sigh of relief when I found out the test was postponed.
Note: It is a figurative use of 'sign' to indicate a visible or audible manifestation of relief, not a literal sign.

Sign language

Refers to a system of communication using gestures, facial expressions, and body movements.
Example: The two friends communicated using nothing but sign language in the noisy concert hall.
Note: In this context, 'sign language' refers to a distinct form of non-verbal communication, distinct from written or spoken language.

The signs are clear

Indicates that there are clear indications or evidence pointing towards a specific outcome.
Example: After weeks of training, the signs are clear that the team is ready for the competition.
Note: This expression suggests the presence of unmistakable evidence or indicators, rather than literal signs like physical objects.

Sign - Examples

Sign the document before leaving.
The sign on the door said "Do not disturb".
The traffic sign indicated that we should turn left.

Sign grammar

Sign - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: sign
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): signs
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): sign
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): signed
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): signing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): signs
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): sign
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): sign
Syllables, Separation and Stress
sign Contains 1 syllables: sign
Phonetic transcription: ˈsīn
sign , ˈsīn (The red syllable is stressed)

Sign - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
sign: 1000 - 1100 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.