sign
A sign is a mark, object, or action that gives information or shows that something exists.
Explanation at your level:
A sign is something you see. It tells you what to do. For example, a stop sign on the street tells cars to stop. It is a very useful word for everyday life.
You can see signs everywhere. They give information, like 'Open' or 'Closed.' In a hospital, a doctor looks for a sign on your body to know if you are sick, like a red mark or a high temperature.
A sign is an indicator of something. It can be a physical object, like a road sign, or a piece of evidence, like a sign of improvement in a patient's health. It is important to notice signs in your environment to stay safe and informed.
Beyond physical objects, a sign can represent an omen or a subtle indication of a trend. In professional environments, we analyze 'clinical signs' to make diagnoses. Mastering the word involves understanding both its concrete, visual usage and its more abstract, interpretive meanings.
The term sign functions as a fundamental concept in semiotics, the study of signs and symbols. In academic contexts, we discuss how a sign conveys meaning within a cultural framework. It is not just an object; it is a vehicle for information that requires interpretation.
Etymologically rooted in the Latin signum, the word sign permeates literary and philosophical discourse. It represents the intersection of the material and the symbolic. Whether discussing the 'signs of the zodiac' or the 'clinical signs of pathology,' the word demands a nuanced understanding of context. It serves as a marker of reality, a signal of intent, and a silent communicator that bridges the gap between observation and knowledge.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A sign is an indicator.
- It is a countable noun.
- The 'g' is silent.
- It is used in medicine and daily life.
The word sign is incredibly versatile. At its core, it represents an indicator of something else. Think of it as a bridge between a hidden reality and a visible clue.
In everyday life, a sign might be a traffic signal or a shop window display. In medicine, it takes on a specific, technical meaning. It is an objective piece of evidence that a doctor can see or measure, unlike a 'symptom,' which is something only the patient feels.
Understanding this distinction is key to mastering the word in different contexts. Whether you are looking for a physical sign of illness or reading a sign on a wall, you are looking for information that has been made visible.
The word sign has a deep history, originating from the Latin word signum, which meant a mark, token, or image.
It entered Middle English through Old French. Interestingly, the 'g' in 'sign' is silent because of its Latin roots, even though it is spelled with a 'g'. Throughout history, it has been used to describe everything from military standards and constellations to omens and portents.
The evolution of the word shows how humans have always needed symbols to communicate complex ideas. From ancient stone carvings to modern digital icons, the concept of a 'sign' remains a fundamental part of human language and survival.
You will hear sign used in many common phrases. We often use it with verbs like 'see,' 'notice,' or 'ignore.' For example, 'I didn't see the sign.'
In a professional or academic register, you might hear about 'clinical signs' or 'early signs of recovery.' It is a neutral word, meaning it fits perfectly in both casual conversations and professional reports.
Be careful not to confuse the noun with the verb 'to sign,' which means to write your name on a document. Always look at the context to determine if the speaker is talking about an indicator (noun) or an action (verb).
1. A sign of the times: Something that shows the character of the current period. Example: The closure of the local library is a sad sign of the times.
2. Give a sign: To show an indication or signal. Example: Give me a sign if you are ready to go.
3. Read the signs: To interpret the clues in a situation. Example: You should have read the signs that he was unhappy.
4. Sign of life: Any evidence that someone or something is still active. Example: There was no sign of life in the empty house.
5. Bad sign: An indicator that something negative will happen. Example: The dark clouds are a bad sign for our picnic.
The plural form is signs. It is a countable noun, meaning you can say 'a sign' or 'many signs.'
The pronunciation is /saɪn/ in both British and American English. The 'g' is completely silent, which often trips up learners. Rhyming words include design, align, fine, line, and shine.
When using it as a noun, it often follows a preposition like 'of' (a sign of trouble) or 'for' (a sign for the exit). Remember that the stress is on the single syllable.
Fun Fact
The silent 'g' comes from the Latin root 'signum'.
Pronunciation Guide
Rhymes with fine.
Same as UK.
Common Errors
- pronouncing the g
- rhyming with 'sin'
- stressing the wrong syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
medium
medium
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Subject-Verb Agreement
The sign is red.
Countable Nouns
Two signs.
Articles
A sign.
Examples by Level
I see a big sign.
I / see / a / big / indicator
Simple present tense
The sign says stop.
The / indicator / says / stop
Subject-verb agreement
Is that a sign?
Is / that / an / indicator
Question form
Look at the sign.
Look / at / the / indicator
Imperative
I need a sign.
I / need / an / indicator
Need + noun
The sign is red.
The / indicator / is / red
Adjective usage
Read the sign.
Read / the / indicator
Imperative verb
Where is the sign?
Where / is / the / indicator
Wh- question
Follow the sign to the park.
The sign was very clear.
I saw a sign for the hotel.
Are there any signs of rain?
The sign is on the wall.
He ignored the warning sign.
The sign shows the way.
I made a sign with my hand.
The rash is a sign of an allergy.
She gave me a sign to be quiet.
There are signs that the economy is growing.
The doctor checked for signs of infection.
He looked for a sign of forgiveness.
The sign was written in bold letters.
These are clear signs of progress.
The sign of the zodiac is Leo.
A high fever is a classic sign of the flu.
The sudden silence was a sign of trouble.
He interpreted her smile as a sign of agreement.
The company is showing signs of recovery.
There were no signs of forced entry.
The sign of a good leader is listening.
She looked for a sign from above.
The sign was obscured by the trees.
His pale complexion was a sign of his underlying illness.
The project shows all the signs of being a success.
The market volatility is a sign of investor anxiety.
She regarded the event as a sign of better things to come.
The doctor noted several clinical signs during the exam.
The ancient carvings were a sign of a lost civilization.
It was a sign of his character that he apologized.
The changing weather is a sign of the coming winter.
The subtle shift in her tone was a sign of her hidden resentment.
The ruins serve as a poignant sign of a once-great empire.
His erratic behavior was a sign of deep psychological distress.
The sudden drop in temperature was a sign of the impending storm.
She sought a sign that her life had true purpose.
The clinical signs were subtle, yet undeniably present.
His silence was a sign of his profound disagreement.
The document was a sign of their formal commitment.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"a sign of the times"
typical of current society
High prices are a sign of the times.
neutral"read the signs"
understand the situation
You need to read the signs.
neutral"give a sign"
signal someone
Give me a sign when to start.
casual"a sign of life"
evidence of activity
I saw a sign of life.
neutral"bad sign"
negative indicator
That is a bad sign.
neutral"sign of the zodiac"
astrological house
What is your sign?
casualEasily Confused
similar meaning
signal is a message
Traffic signal vs road sign.
same root
signature is a name
Sign the paper with your signature.
medical context
symptom is felt
Fever is a sign; pain is a symptom.
abstract meaning
symbol represents an idea
A dove is a symbol of peace.
Sentence Patterns
The sign shows [noun]
The sign shows the way.
There is a sign of [noun]
There is a sign of hope.
Look for a sign
I look for a sign.
A sign of [noun] is [noun]
A sign of health is energy.
He gave a sign to [verb]
He gave a sign to stop.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
9
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
A sign is an indicator; a signature is your name.
The noun is 'sign', the verb is 'to sign'.
Signs are seen by doctors; symptoms are felt by patients.
The g is not pronounced.
The plural is simply signs.
Tips
Silent G
Don't say the g!
Medical Context
Use sign for physical findings.
Pluralization
Just add s.
Latin Roots
Comes from signum.
Word Web
Link to signal.
Sign vs Signature
Sign is an indicator, signature is a name.
Mnemonic
Sign is a signal.
Traffic Signs
Universal language.
Context
Check if it's a noun or verb.
Rhymes
Rhymes with shine.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
A SIGN is a S-IGNal.
Visual Association
Imagine a big red stop sign.
Word Web
Challenge
Find 3 signs today and write them down.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: mark or token
Cultural Context
None.
Signs are heavily used in traffic and public safety.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at the hospital
- clinical sign
- vital signs
- check for signs
driving
- road sign
- stop sign
- follow the sign
daily life
- sign of the times
- sign of life
- clear sign
work
- sign of progress
- sign of agreement
- sign of success
Conversation Starters
"What is a sign of a good day?"
"Have you ever seen a strange sign?"
"Do you believe in signs?"
"What is a sign of spring?"
"How do you read the signs in a new city?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a sign you saw today.
Write about a sign of change in your life.
What is a sign of a good friend?
Explain the difference between a sign and a symptom.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, always.
Yes, to write your name.
Signs.
Yes.
Signs are seen; symptoms are felt.
Yes, a sign of sadness.
Latin signum.
Very common.
Test Yourself
The ___ says stop.
A sign gives information.
Which means a mark or clue?
A sign is a mark.
A symptom is the same as a sign.
Signs are objective; symptoms are subjective.
Word
Meaning
Matching phrases to meanings.
Sentence structure.
Score: /5
Summary
A sign is a visible clue that helps us understand the world around us.
- A sign is an indicator.
- It is a countable noun.
- The 'g' is silent.
- It is used in medicine and daily life.
Silent G
Don't say the g!
Medical Context
Use sign for physical findings.
Pluralization
Just add s.
Latin Roots
Comes from signum.
Example
The red spots on his skin are a sign of a fever.
Related Content
See it in Videos
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Daenerys Targaryen King's Landing Victory Speech with High Valyrian and Dothraki subtitles
"The red spots on his skin are a sign of a fever."
3:48
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind_Erase Scene
"The red spots on his skin are a sign of a fever."
2:20
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - Please Let Me Keep This Memory
"The red spots on his skin are a sign of a fever."
Learn it in Context
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