sign
UK: saɪn | US: saɪn
n. a mark, symbol, or gesture conveying information or instruction
n. an indication of something’s existence or future occurrence
vt. to write one’s name on a document to authenticate it
vi. to communicate using gestures (e.g., sign language)
The word "sign" traces back to Latin signum, meaning "mark, token, or indication." It entered English via Old French signe, retaining its core sense of a visible representation of information. The Latin root signum also underpins related words like "signal," "signature," and "design," reflecting a shared idea of marking or denoting. Over time, "sign" expanded from physical marks (e.g., road signs) to abstract indicators (e.g., "signs of illness").
The doctor noticed early signs of recovery.
Please sign the contract at the bottom.
Deaf communities communicate using sign language.
Dark clouds are a sign of approaching rain.
The store’s neon sign glowed brightly at night.