sign etymology

Etymology

The word "sign" comes from the Latin word "signum", which means "mark, token, or signal". The word "signum" has an Indo-European root, "*sekw-", which means "to follow". This root is also found in words such as "sequence" and "signify".

Meaning

A sign is something that represents something else. Signs can be visual, auditory, or tactile. They can be used to communicate, to inform, or to warn.

Origin

The use of signs dates back to prehistoric times. Early humans used signs to communicate with each other and to track animals. Over time, signs became more sophisticated and were used for a variety of purposes.

In the ancient world, signs were often used in religious and magical rituals. The Egyptians, for example, used hieroglyphics to write their language. These hieroglyphics were not only symbols for words, but also for ideas and concepts.

The Greeks and Romans also used signs extensively. The Greek word for "sign" is "semeion", which is related to the word "symbol". The Romans used signs to mark boundaries, to identify soldiers, and to communicate with each other.

In the Middle Ages, signs were used to identify guilds, trade organizations, and religious orders. They were also used to mark the boundaries of towns and villages.

In the modern world, signs are used for a wide variety of purposes. They can be found on roads, buildings, products, and even people. Signs are essential for communication, information, and warning.

sign relate terms

  • ensign

    Etymology Middle French ensine from Late Latin insignia neuter plural of insigni

  • insignia

    Insignia Etymology The word insignia originates from the Latin word insigne meaning

  • token

    Etymology The word token originates from the Latin verb tangere meaning to touch

  • assign

    Etymology The origin of a word including its history and source Meaning The definitio

  • assignation

    Etymology The word assignation comes from the Latin word assignatio which means a f

  • consign

    Etymology Middle English conseyne conseinen from Anglo Norman French consigner Lati

  • semiotic

    Etymology Semiotics comes from the Greek word sēmeion meaning sign Meaning Semio

  • semantic

    Semantic Etymology Semantic etymology refers to the study of how the meaning and usage of

  • mark

    Etymology The name Mark is derived from the Proto Indo European root merk meaning

  • subscribe

    Etymology Latin subscribere Prefix sub meaning under or beneath Verb scribe

  • opposition

    Etymology Greek anti against Latin ponere to place Meaning The state of

  • motion

    Etymology The word motion comes from the Latin word motus which means movement or

  • write

    Etymology The study of the origin and history of words It examines how words change ove