signal
gb/sˈɪɡnəl/ us/sˈɪɡnəl/
A2
English
~ 2000
jel, jelzés, jelez, jelt ad, int
NOUN
B1
1
Usage pattern:
a signal from [someone/something]
The phone can't receive a signal in this remote area.
Ezen az eldugott helyen a telefon nem tud jelet fogni.
The traffic light sends a clear signal to drivers.
A jelzőlámpa egyértelmű jelzést ad a vezetőknek.
We waited for the signal before starting the experiment.
A weak signal caused the video call to freeze.
Learner examples
I cannot get a signal on my phone.
Nem tudok jelet fogni a telefonommal.
The red light is a signal to stop.
A piros lámpa jelzés arra, hogy meg kell állni.
We saw the smoke as a signal.
They gave a signal to start the race.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'signal' with 'sign'; 'signal' usually involves active transmission, while 'sign' can be passive or symbolic.
Meaning
Message or data sent between devices or people
Collocations
send a signal
|receive a signal
|strong signal
|radio signal
|signal strength
Synonyms
message (More general; can be spoken, written, or electronic.)
|
transmission (More technical; often used in radio or data contexts.)
Antonyms
silence (Absence of any communication or signal.)
Themes
communication
|technology
|science
Definition
A piece of information sent from one person or device to another to share a message.
A piece of information or instruction transmitted from one place or person to another, often using sound, light, radio waves, or gestures.
VERB
B1
2
jelez
B1
Usage pattern:
to signal [something] to [someone]
She signaled the waiter for the bill.
Intett a pincérnek, hogy kéri a számlát.
The guard signaled us to stop.
Az őr jelezte nekünk, hogy álljunk meg.
He signaled his intention to leave by packing his bag.
The driver signaled before turning left.
Learner examples
I signaled the taxi to stop.
Intettem a taxinak, hogy álljon meg.
He signaled to me with his hand.
A kezével jelzett nekem.
She signaled that she was ready.
The man signaled for help.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes omit the object when needed, e.g., 'He signaled' without saying what or to whom.
Meaning
Indicate something using signs or devices
Collocations
signal for help
|signal to someone
|signal approval
|signal the start
Synonyms
indicate (More general; can be verbal or non-verbal.)
|
gesture (Specifically refers to movement of body parts.)
Antonyms
ignore (To fail to give any sign or communication.)
Themes
communication
|daily life
Definition
To show or tell something by using your hands, lights, sounds, or another way without words.
To communicate or indicate something using gestures, sounds, lights, or other means.
NOUN
A2
3
jelzés
B1
Usage pattern:
a signal to [do something]
The coach gave a hand signal to start the play.
Az edző kézjelzést adott a játék megkezdésére.
The siren is a signal to evacuate the building.
A sziréna azt jelzi, hogy ki kell üríteni az épületet.
He flashed his headlights as a signal to pass.
Learner examples
The teacher gave a signal to start.
A tanár jelzést adott a kezdésre.
A red light is a signal to stop.
A piros lámpa jelzés arra, hogy meg kell állni.
The bell is a signal for lunch.
Meaning
Gesture, sound, or device giving instruction or alert
Collocations
hand signal
|warning signal
|traffic signal
Synonyms
cue (Often used in performance contexts for timing actions.)
|
alert (Implies urgency and warning function.)
Antonyms
confusion (Lack of clear indication.)
Themes
daily life
|safety
|communication
|daily_life
|transportation
Definition
A movement, sound, or thing that tells people what to do or warns them.
A movement, sound, or device used to give instructions, warnings, or other non-verbal communication.
VERB
A2
4
Usage pattern:
to signal [someone] to [do something]
The lifeguard signaled the swimmers to come ashore.
Az úszómester intett az úszóknak, hogy jöjjenek ki a partra.
She signaled him to be quiet with a finger on her lips.
Az ajkára tett ujjal jelezte neki, hogy maradjon csendben.
The marshal signaled the cars to start the race.
Learner examples
He signaled me to sit down.
Intett nekem, hogy üljek le.
The man signaled us to wait.
A férfi intett nekünk, hogy várjunk.
She signaled the children to come inside.
Meaning
Make gesture/sound to indicate action needed
Collocations
signal someone to stop
|signal someone over
Synonyms
beckon (Specifically means calling someone over with a gesture.)
Antonyms
dismiss (To indicate that someone should leave rather than act.)
Themes
daily life
|communication
|daily_life
Definition
To move your hand or make a sound so someone knows what to do.
To make a gesture or sound that instructs someone to act in a certain way without speaking.
Grammar
Dictionary form
signal
IPA
GB/sˈɪɡnəl/
US/sˈɪɡnəl/
Syllables & stress
sig - nal (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (sig)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: signal
- Plural: signals
Verb
- Base: signal
- 3rd Person Singular: signals
- Present Participle: signaling, signalling
- Past: signaled, signalled
Word family
Forms
signals
noun
signaling
verb
signalling
verb
signaled
verb
signalled
verb
Related words
sign
noun A1
Expressions
danger signal
1/dˈeɪnd͡ʒɚ sˈɪɡnəl/
fixed phrase
Warning of possible harm ahead
Something that shows there might be danger soon.
Examples
- Smoke from the forest was a danger signal.
- Falling sales are a danger signal for the company.
send mixed signals
1/sˈɛnd mˈɪkst sˈɪɡnəlz/
idiom
Communicate unclear messages about intentions/feelings
To say or do things that make people unsure about what you really mean.
Examples
- He's sending mixed signals about whether he wants the job.
- Her behavior sends mixed signals about her feelings.
signal boost
1/sˈɪɡnəl bˈust/
fixed phrase
informal
Increase visibility of message online
To share something online so more people see it.
Examples
- Can you give this charity post a signal boost?
- The tweet got a big signal boost after a celebrity shared it.
give the green light
2/ɡˈɪv ðə ɡɹˈin lˈaɪt/
idiom
informal
Give official permission to proceed
To say yes so that someone can start doing something.
Examples
- The mayor gave the green light to the new park project.
- The manager gave us the green light to launch the campaign.
give the green light
3/ɡˈɪv ðə ɡɹˈin lˈaɪt/
idiom
Allow something to start officially
To give permission for something to begin.
Examples
- The boss gave the green light for the new project.
- They can't start building until the city gives the green light.