sign
gb/sˈaɪn/ us/sˈaɪn/
A1
English
~ 1100
tábla, jelzés, jel, aláír, jelel
NOUN
A1
1
Usage pattern:
a sign [shows/says] [something]
The stop sign was clearly visible at the corner.
A stoptábla jól látható volt a sarkon.
She hung a 'Closed' sign on the shop door.
Kiakasztott egy „Zárva” táblát az üzlet ajtajára.
The hotel had a large neon sign above the entrance.
I missed the turn because I didn’t see the road sign.
Learner examples
The stop sign is red.
A stoptábla piros.
There is a big sign on the wall.
Egy nagy tábla van a falon.
The shop has a new sign.
I read the sign before I went in.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'sign' with 'signal'. A sign is usually a fixed object giving information, while a signal is an action or sound to communicate something.
Meaning
A board or mark giving information
Collocations
road sign
|warning sign
|shop sign
|no entry sign
Synonyms
notice (Often used for written announcements, especially on paper or boards.)
Antonyms
blank (Indicates there is no message or information displayed.)
Themes
daily life
|travel
|communication
|daily_life
Definition
Something you can see, like a board or symbol, that tells you information or gives directions.
A board, plate, symbol, or other display that gives information, instructions, or warnings.
NOUN
A2
2
jel
A2
Usage pattern:
a sign of [something]
Dark clouds are a sign that it will rain.
A sötét felhők annak a jelei, hogy esni fog.
Her smile was a clear sign of happiness.
A mosolya egyértelműen a boldogság jele volt.
The sudden drop in sales was a worrying sign for the company.
Fever can be a sign of infection.
Learner examples
Dark clouds are a sign of rain.
A sötét felhők esőre utaló jelek.
Her smile is a sign of joy.
A mosolya az öröm jele.
A cough can be a sign of illness.
The empty streets are a sign of danger.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'sign' with 'signal'. A signal is often an action sent to someone, while a sign can be any evidence of something.
Meaning
An indication of something existing or coming
Collocations
sign of trouble
|early sign
|clear sign
|warning sign
Synonyms
indication (More formal; often used in technical or academic contexts.)
Antonyms
absence (Indicates that there is no evidence or proof of something.)
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|health
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Something that shows something else is true or will happen.
An action, event, or situation that shows something exists, is true, or will happen.
VERB
A2
3
aláír
A2
Usage pattern:
to sign [a document/contract/form]
Please sign the form at the bottom of the page.
Kérjük, írja alá az űrlapot az oldal alján.
She signed the contract yesterday afternoon.
Tegnap délután írta alá a szerződést.
He refused to sign the agreement until changes were made.
You must sign here to confirm your booking.
Learner examples
Please sign your name here.
Kérlek, írd alá itt a nevedet.
She signed the paper.
Aláírta a papírt.
He signed the form at the desk.
I will not sign this paper.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'sign' (to write your name) with 'signal' (to give a gesture).
Meaning
Write name to approve or agree
Collocations
sign a contract
|sign an agreement
|sign a form
|sign a letter
Synonyms
endorse (More formal; often used for official approval, especially in politics or finance.)
Antonyms
refuse to sign (To decline to provide your signature and therefore not approve.)
Themes
business
|law
|daily life
|communication
Definition
To write your name on something to show you agree or accept it.
To write your name on a document to show that you agree with it or accept it.
NOUN
B1
4
Usage pattern:
make/give [someone] a sign
He gave me a thumbs-up as a sign that everything was okay.
Feltartotta a hüvelykujját annak jeleként, hogy minden rendben van.
The referee made a hand sign to stop play.
A játékvezető kézjellel jelezte, hogy álljon meg a játék.
They use special signs to communicate underwater.
Learner examples
He gave me a peace sign.
Békejelet mutatott nekem.
She made a hand sign to me.
Kézjellel jelzett nekem.
He waved as a sign to come closer.
Meaning
Gesture communicating meaning without words
Collocations
hand sign
|peace sign
|give a sign
Synonyms
gesture (A broader term for any body movement used to communicate.)
Antonyms
speech (Using spoken words instead of gestures.)
Themes
communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A movement or action that shows what you mean without words.
A movement, gesture, or action used to communicate something without speaking.
VERB
B1
5
jelel
B2
Usage pattern:
to sign [a word/message]
She can sign fluently in American Sign Language.
Folyékonyan jelel amerikai jelnyelven.
They signed to each other across the room.
A szoba két végéből jeleltek egymásnak.
He signed 'thank you' before leaving.
Learner examples
She can sign very well.
Nagyon jól tud jelelni.
They signed to each other in class.
Az órán jeleltek egymásnak.
He signed 'hello' to me.
Meaning
Communicate using sign language
Collocations
sign fluently
|sign to each other
Synonyms
gesture (Less precise; not necessarily part of a formal language system.)
Antonyms
speak (To use spoken words instead of signs.)
Themes
communication
|language
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To talk using hand movements and signs instead of speaking.
To use hand movements and gestures in a structured language for communication, especially by deaf people.
Grammar
Dictionary form
sign
IPA
GB/sˈaɪn/
US/sˈaɪn/
Syllables & stress
sign (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (sign)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: sign
- Plural: signs
Verb
- Base: sign
- 3rd Person Singular: signs
- Present Participle: signing
- Past: signed
Word family
Forms
signs
noun
signing
verb
signed
verb
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
insignificant
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
signage
noun
signatory
noun
Expressions
sign in
1/sˈaɪn ˈɪn/
phrasal verb
Record arrival or log into system
To write your name when you arrive somewhere, or enter information to use a computer system.
Examples
- Please sign in at reception before your appointment.
- You need to sign in with your username and password.
sign of the times
1/sˈaɪn əv ðə tˈaɪmz/
idiom
Something showing today's trends/issues
Something that shows what life or society is like now.
Examples
- The rise in online shopping is a sign of the times.
- Empty malls are just another sign of the times.
sign off
1/sˈaɪn ˈɔf/
phrasal verb
End communication or approve officially
To finish speaking/writing in a message, or to give official approval for something.
Examples
- The manager signed off on the budget proposal.
- The news anchor signed off with a smile.
sign off
1/sˈaɪn ˈɔf/
phrasal verb
end a communication
to finish speaking or writing to people and say goodbye.
Examples
- She signed off with a quick thank-you to the audience.
- The host signs off every episode with the same joke.
- I’ll sign off now and send the full notes tomorrow.
Learner examples
- I will sign off now.
- He signed off with “Good night.”
sign out
1/sˈaɪn ˈaʊt/
phrasal verb
Record leaving or log out of system
To write your name when you leave somewhere, or close your account session on a computer.
Examples
- Don't forget to sign out when you leave the building.
- You should always sign out after using public computers.
sign up
1/sˈaɪn ˈʌp/
phrasal verb
Register for an activity or service
To put your name on a list to join or take part in something.
Examples
- You can sign up for the class online.
- He signed up to volunteer at the event.