signature
/ˈsɪɡnətʃə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪɡnətʃər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇r -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r/ (ame, mw) · /ˈsɪɡ.nə.tʃər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪɡ.nə.tʃɚ/ (ame, ipa)
signature — noun
- signaturesingular
- signaturesplural
1. a name that you write by hand in a fixed personal style, used when you want to c
a name that you write by hand in a fixed personal style, used when you want to confirm that you agree with something or that a document is genuine
Asher asked me to put my signature at the bottom of the rental agreement.
put your signature at the bottom of [document]
The bank clerk compared the signature on the cheque with the one in the system.
compare the signature on [document] with [record]
Without a valid signature the passport application will not be processed.
Rin's signature was so tidy that the receptionist could read every letter.
- autograph
specifically a celebrity's handwritten signature given to a fan, not used for official documents
- endorsement
a signature on the back of a cheque or document that transfers rights, more formal and specific
文法句型
signature + on + document
put your signature + on/to + document
用法筆記
A signature is different from a printed name — it is handwritten and personal. In many legal contexts, a signature can also be an electronic mark or a typed name that shows the same intention.
常見錯誤
2. the formal act of putting your handwritten name on a legal paper to make it bind
the formal act of putting your handwritten name on a legal paper to make it binding or to express your consent
The contract will take effect immediately upon signature by both parties.
upon signature by [party] — formal register
Walid collected the forms for signature after everyone had finished reviewing them.
for signature — purpose of a document
Signature of the consent form is required before the hospital can begin treatment.
The lawyer witnessed the signature of each page of the will.
- signing
the more everyday word for the action; 'signature' in this sense is more formal
文法句型
upon signature
signature + of + document
for signature
用法筆記
This sense is typically used in formal or legal contexts rather than everyday conversation. It often appears in phrases like 'upon signature', 'for signature', or 'witness the signature'.
常見錯誤
3. a set of measurable features that uniquely reveals the identity of a chemical su
a set of measurable features that uniquely reveals the identity of a chemical substance, a living organism, or a disease
Each type of bacteria has a unique genetic signature that laboratories can identify.
genetic signature — unique identifying pattern
Doctors look for a particular chemical signature in the blood to diagnose the illness.
chemical signature in [substance]
The spectrometer picked up the signature of a rare mineral in the rock sample.
The team found a molecular signature in the tissue that matched the rare disease.
- fingerprint
more informal synonym, especially for genetic or chemical identifiers; 'signature' sounds more technical
- profile
a broader term that may include multiple characteristics, not always uniquely identifying
文法句型
signature + of + noun
genetic/chemical signature
用法筆記
Common in scientific writing. Typical compounds include 'genetic signature', 'chemical signature', 'spectral signature', and 'biochemical signature'. The noun that follows 'signature of' identifies what is being characterised.
4. a quality, detail, or style that is very typical of a particular person, place,
a quality, detail, or style that is very typical of a particular person, place, or thing and makes others think of them immediately
The chef's signature is the use of fresh herbs in almost every dish.
Bright colours are the signature of Walid's painting style.
signature of [person]'s [style]
The high-pitched laugh became the talk-show host's signature.
Long queues outside the shop have become a signature of the brand's popularity.
文法句型
signature + of + noun
become the signature of [person/place]
用法筆記
Often used with 'become' or 'is' to describe what someone or something is famous for. The pattern 'signature of + noun' introduces the person, place, or thing that owns the quality.
常見錯誤
signature — adjective
- signaturepositive
- more signaturecomparative
- most signaturesuperlative
1. used before a noun to say which feature or item someone or somewhere is especial
used before a noun to say which feature or item someone or somewhere is especially famous for
The baker's signature dish is a chocolate cake with salted caramel.
signature dish
Élise ended the concert by playing her signature song.
signature song
The hotel's signature service includes a personal butler for each guest.
Ramón's signature move in the dance competition brought the crowd to its feet.
- trademark
can be used as an adjective similarly ('trademark style'), but 'trademark' has a stronger legal connotation
- characteristic
less emphatic; 'signature' implies the feature is famous or iconic, not just typical
文法句型
signature + noun
用法筆記
This adjective is only used before a noun (attributive position). Common compounds include 'signature dish', 'signature style', 'signature look', 'signature move', and 'signature song'. It is not used after 'be' — you cannot say 'this dish is signature'.