sign
1 signs and their functions
2 some written signs
3 signs we make with movements of the body
see also LANGUAGE, MEANING
1 signs and their functions
- a shape or mark, a movement of the body, or a situation that has a particular meaning: sign
a road sign ◎ the signs of the Zodiac ◎ He gave a sign and everyone was silent.
- to be a sign of sth: mean* sth, (formal) signify sth
If you put up your hand it means you want to say something. ◎ What does that red star signify?
- a picture, object, etc that represents an idea or an aspect of life: symbol; adjective: symbolic
A cross is the symbol of Christianity. ◎ In some cultures, green is symbolic of life.
- the use of symbols, especially in art and literature: symbolism (noun U)
poetry full of religious symbolism
- to be a symbol of sth: symbolize sth, stand* for sth, represent sth
The small child in the picture symbolizes youth. ◎ The 'P' on this signpost stands for 'parking'. ◎ On this map, a cross represents a church.
- a symbol used by an organization or other group: emblem
The emblem of Ireland is a shamrock.
- a sign used by a business that shows the name of the company in a way which helps people to remember it: logo (plural logos)
design a new company logo
※ signs which give information and instructions
- a sign that tells people to do sth: signal; to give a signal: signal (sth)
The train stopped at a red signal. ◎ The policeman signalled to the driver to stop. ◎ He signalled to me that I should finish speaking.
- a sign at the side of the road that gives information about driving conditions: road sign
- a sign at the side of the road that gives information about directions and distances to towns: signpost
The signpost says it's 50 miles to York.
- a sign that shows where sth is: marker
Motorway marker posts show you where the nearest telephone is.
- something in a situation that tells you sth: (formal) indication
There is some indication that the economy is improving.
- when a sign gives us information about sth, we say that it means* sth, indicates sth, (formal) is indicative of sth
This sign indicates that the computer is saving your text. ◎ A cross means that your answer is wrong; a tick means that it is right. ◎ His refusal to help us is indicative of how selfish he is.
- a sign of illness or sth bad: symptom
You have all the symptoms of a bad cold - headache, sore throat and a cough.
- a sign that tells us that sth is going to happen in the future: omen
a good/bad omen
2 some written signs
- a sign (*) which calls attention to sth in a text: asterisk
- a sign (※) which shows a direction: arrow
- a sign (※) which shows that sth is correct: tick (AmE check)
- a sign (Ã) which shows that sth is wrong or which shows the position of sth: cross
※ signs for money MONEY
- signs in mathematics NUMBER
- to mark sth with a tick: tick sth (off)
If you finish a job, please tick it off the list.
- something that is written or drawn which has a meaning: mark
Put a mark in the margin if you notice any problems.
- a written symbol which helps us to understand a text and divides up sentences: punctuation mark
※ more on punctuation marks PUNCTUATION
3 signs we make with movements of the body
- a movement of the body which has a particular meaning: gesture, sign
- to make this kind of movement: gesture, make* a gesture, make*/give* a sign
He gestured to me to go and speak to him. ◎ She made a sign for them to go in.
- to move your hand from side to side when saying hello or goodbye, or in order to attract sb's attention: wave, give* sb a wave
We waved goodbye until we couldn't see them any more. ◎ As the train pulled out of the station, she gave me a last wave.
- to raise your shoulders and drop them again, as a way of showing that you do not know sth or that you do not care about sth: shrug (your shoulders), give* a shrug
Don't just shrug! Say something!
- to move your head up and down as a way of showing that you understand or that you agree: nod (your head), give* a nod
'Don't you think we need to do something about this problem?' I asked. 'Yes,' she nodded.
- to move your head from side to side as a way of showing that you disagree: shake* your head
I waited for an answer. Finally he shook his head and said no.
- to use your hand or finger to show sb that you want them to follow you or come closer to you: beckon (sb)
He beckoned to me to follow him into his office.
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