signs
English meaning: Signs
Definition
(sometimes also used uncountably) A visible indication.
Example
“I gave them a thumbs-up sign.”
Another example: “Road signs warned drivers of the sharp bend ahead.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Plural of 'sign': visible indications ('warning signs', 'signs of life'), notices ('road signs'), gestures, symbols, or zodiac/star signs. Everyday register; very broad in use. Often 'signs of' + noun.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'signum' 'mark, token', via Old French 'signe'; in English from the 13th century.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- warning signs
- road signs
- signs of life
- vital signs
- show signs of
Word Forms
sign (n/v); signs; signed; signing
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B