sign
gb/sˈaɪn/ us/sˈaɪn/
A1
Anglais
~ 1100
Sens
0 sens
Nom
A1
entity
1
A board or mark giving information
Something you can see, like a board or symbol, that tells you information or gives directions.
Schéma d’usage :
a sign [shows/says] [something]
Erreur fréquente :
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.
Synonymes
notice (Often used for written announcements, especially on paper or boards.)
Antonymes
blank (Indicates there is no message or information displayed.)
Collocations
road sign
|warning sign
|shop sign
|no entry sign
Thèmes
daily life
|travel
|communication
|daily_life
Exemples
- The stop sign was clearly visible at the corner.
- She hung a 'Closed' sign on the shop door.
- The hotel had a large neon sign above the entrance.
- I missed the turn because I didn’t see the road sign.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The stop sign is red.
- There is a big sign on the wall.
- The shop has a new sign.
- I read the sign before I went in.
Nom
A2
entity
2
An indication of something existing or coming
Something that shows something else is true or will happen.
Schéma d’usage :
a sign of [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'sign' with 'signal'. A signal is often an action sent to someone, while a sign can be any evidence of something.
Synonymes
indication (More formal; often used in technical or academic contexts.)
Antonymes
absence (Indicates that there is no evidence or proof of something.)
Collocations
sign of trouble
|early sign
|clear sign
|warning sign
Thèmes
emotions
|daily life
|health
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- Dark clouds are a sign that it will rain.
- Her smile was a clear sign of happiness.
- The sudden drop in sales was a worrying sign for the company.
- Fever can be a sign of infection.
Exemples pédagogiques
- Dark clouds are a sign of rain.
- Her smile is a sign of joy.
- A cough can be a sign of illness.
- The empty streets are a sign of danger.
Verbe
A2
action
3
Write name to approve or agree
To write your name on something to show you agree or accept it.
Schéma d’usage :
to sign [a document/contract/form]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may confuse 'sign' (to write your name) with 'signal' (to give a gesture).
Synonymes
endorse (More formal; often used for official approval, especially in politics or finance.)
Antonymes
refuse to sign (To decline to provide your signature and therefore not approve.)
Collocations
sign a contract
|sign an agreement
|sign a form
|sign a letter
Thèmes
business
|law
|daily life
|communication
Exemples
- Please sign the form at the bottom of the page.
- She signed the contract yesterday afternoon.
- He refused to sign the agreement until changes were made.
- You must sign here to confirm your booking.
Exemples pédagogiques
- Please sign your name here.
- She signed the paper.
- He signed the form at the desk.
- I will not sign this paper.
Nom
B1
entity
4
Gesture communicating meaning without words
A movement or action that shows what you mean without words.
Schéma d’usage :
make/give [someone] a sign
Synonymes
gesture (A broader term for any body movement used to communicate.)
Antonymes
speech (Using spoken words instead of gestures.)
Collocations
hand sign
|peace sign
|give a sign
Thèmes
communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- He gave me a thumbs-up as a sign that everything was okay.
- The referee made a hand sign to stop play.
- They use special signs to communicate underwater.
Exemples pédagogiques
- He gave me a peace sign.
- She made a hand sign to me.
- He waved as a sign to come closer.
Verbe
B1
action
5
Communicate using sign language
To talk using hand movements and signs instead of speaking.
Schéma d’usage :
to sign [a word/message]
Synonymes
gesture (Less precise; not necessarily part of a formal language system.)
Antonymes
speak (To use spoken words instead of signs.)
Collocations
sign fluently
|sign to each other
Thèmes
communication
|language
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- She can sign fluently in American Sign Language.
- They signed to each other across the room.
- He signed 'thank you' before leaving.
Exemples pédagogiques
- She can sign very well.
- They signed to each other in class.
- He signed 'hello' to me.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
sign
API
GB/sˈaɪn/
US/sˈaɪn/
Syllabes et accentuation
sign (1 syllabe)
Stress on 1st syllable (sign)
Formes du mot
Noun
- Base: sign
- Plural: signs
Verb
- Base: sign
- 3rd Person Singular: signs
- Present Participle: signing
- Past: signed
Famille de mots
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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- 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.
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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- You can sign up for the class online.
- He signed up to volunteer at the event.