What is sign? Pronunciation and usage in English

sign means . Learn how to pronounce and use sign through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of sign

signnoun/verb

/sʌɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of sign

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "sign" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /saɪn/ (rhymes with "mine" or "fine")

    • "si" is pronounced like the "s" in "sit" or "ship".
    • "n" is pronounced like the "n" in "no" or "run".

Here's a more detailed phonetic breakdown (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

  • /saɪn/ IPA symbols:
    • /s/ - as in "sun"
    • /aɪ/ - as in "eye" (a diphthong – two vowel sounds blending together)
    • /n/ - as in "no"

Tips for saying it correctly:

  • Focus on the "i" sound: The "sign" sound is really centered around that "i" sound. Make sure you're creating the "eye" sound (like in the word "high").
  • Short and sharp: It's a quick, clipped pronunciation.

Resources for Hearing it:

Do you want me to:

  • Say it aloud?
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Usage and examples with the word sign in English

Let's break down how to use the word "sign" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As a Symbol or Indicator:

  • Meaning: Something that represents or points to something else. It's a visual or textual cue.
  • Examples:
    • "The sign of the cross is a religious gesture." (Symbolizing faith)
    • "The traffic sign told us to stop." (Indicator of a rule)
    • "A smile is a sign of happiness." (Indicates an emotion)
    • "He gave me a sign that he was okay." (A gesture or action meaning something)
    • "The rising sun is a sign of hope." (Represents a positive outcome)

2. As a Mark or Trace:

  • Meaning: A physical mark left behind by something.
  • Examples:
    • "There was a sign of mud on the floor." (A trace of mud)
    • "The pen left a sign on the paper." (A mark from the pen)
    • “He found a sign of a struggle.” (Evidence of a fight or conflict)

3. As a Proof or Evidence:

  • Meaning: Something that indicates or confirms something else.
  • Examples:
    • "His nervous behavior was a sign that he was lying." (Evidence of dishonesty)
    • "The rain is a sign of an approaching storm." (Confirmation of a storm)
    • "The economic downturn is a clear sign of trouble ahead." (Evidence of problems)

4. As a Gesture or Action (Informal):

  • Meaning: A non-verbal way of communicating, often a subtle signal.
  • Examples:
    • "She gave me a sign that she wanted to go home." (A glance, a shrug, etc.)
    • "He winked – a cheeky sign that he knew something I didn't."

5. “Sign” as a Noun (Referring to a formal notice/advertisement):

  • Meaning: A board or plate displaying information (e.g., pricing, rules, warnings).
  • Examples:
    • "The restaurant had a sign outside advertising their lunch specials."
    • “We followed the sign to the beach.”

6. “Sign” as a Verb (To Indicate or Signal):

  • Meaning: To show or indicate something.
  • Examples:
    • "The trees sign the changing of the seasons." (Signal the change)
    • "The data signs a clear trend." (Indicates a trend)
    • "The dog signed his territory with urine." (Marked the territory)

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "sign" depends entirely on how it's used in the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like mark, indication, evidence, symbol, gesture, signal to add variety to your writing and speech.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "sign" in? (e.g., writing a story, giving a presentation, having a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re trying to use "sign" in? I can then help you refine it.

Synonyms for the word sign

Idioms of the word sign

a sign of the times
something that you feel shows what things are like now, especially how bad they are
  • The increasing number of people owning guns is an alarming sign of the times.

Practice with vocabulary sign

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The recent increase in unemployment figures is a worrying _____ that an economic downturn might be imminent.
  2. All new employees are required to _____ the confidentiality agreement before gaining access to sensitive company data.
  3. The control tower sent a clear _____ to the aircraft, instructing it to prepare for landing.
  4. The intricate pattern on the ancient pottery served as a cultural _____ of their beliefs and traditions.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms best describes a prominent printed board or object bearing a name, direction, or warning, typically displayed outdoors or in a public place? (A) label (B) notice (C) sign (D) banner (E) placard

  2. If someone gives you a thumbs-up gesture, what are they most likely doing? (A) Speaking (B) Gesturing (C) Writing (D) Signing (E) Musing

  3. What could indicate that a critical software update is failing to install correctly? (A) A persistent error message (B) An unusually long installation time (C) A system freeze (D) A flickering screen (E) All of the above are possible signs

  4. The sudden ringing of the fire alarm was an unmistakable _____ for everyone to evacuate the building immediately. (A) announcement (B) warning (C) signal (D) declaration (E) instruction

  5. Which word refers to something that represents or stands for something else, especially an abstract idea or concept? (A) indication (B) marker (C) symbol (D) token (E) clue

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The rapid depletion of natural resources indicates that urgent environmental policies are needed. Rewrite using a form of "sign."

  2. Before the new regulations can be enforced, the CEO must officially approve them by endorsing the document. Rewrite using a form of "sign."

  3. The architect's sketch visually displayed the proposed layout of the new office space. Rewrite without using "sign" or its forms, but use a suitable replacement.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. sign
  2. sign
  3. signal
  4. symbol

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. (C) sign, (B) notice, (E) placard
    • Note: While 'label', 'banner' also convey information, 'sign', 'notice', and 'placard' are most appropriate for a "prominent printed board or object... displayed outdoors or in a public place."
  2. (B) Gesturing, (D) Signing
    • Note: A thumbs-up is a form of gesture. If one considers it a conventional non-verbal communication, it could also be broadly categorized as 'signing' in the sense of using signs to communicate.
  3. (E) All of the above are possible signs
    • Note: All listed points are potential indicators or 'signs' of a problem.
  4. (C) signal
  5. (C) symbol

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The rapid depletion of natural resources is a sign that urgent environmental policies are needed.
  2. Before the new regulations can be enforced, the CEO must sign the document to officially approve them.
  3. The architect's sketch visually illustrated the proposed layout of the new office space.

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