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“Signs” or “Sines”

signs / sines are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term.

Definitions

What each term means

Same sound, different spellings and meanings, shown with a pronunciation guide for each term.

signs s·AY·n·z

  • nouna perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened).
  • nouna public display of a message.
  • noun(medicine) any objective evidence of the presence of a disorder or disease.
  • nouna gesture that is part of a sign language.
  • nouna fundamental linguistic unit linking a signifier to that which is signified; --de Saussure.
  • nouna character indicating a relation between quantities.
  • verbmark with one's signature; write one's name (on).
  • verbapprove and express assent, responsibility, or obligation.
  • verbbe engaged by a written agreement.
  • verbengage by written agreement.
  • verbcommunicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs.
  • verbplace signs, as along a road.
  • verbcommunicate in sign language.

sines s·AY·n·z

  • nounratio of the length of the side opposite the given angle to the length of the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle.
Usage

Examples in context

Real sentences for each spelling. Hover an example to copy it.

“signs”

  • The idea of placing stop signs at road junctions was first
  • the Nyhavn quay feature similar signs.
  • Signs and symptoms:Structures involved
  • voice began to show some signs of wear after years of
  • and colic are other possible signs that the baby is unable
  • Checking the eyes for signs of papilledema should be carried
  • fully effectively" and "staff missed signs that Mr Sampson's vulnerability and
  • The signs line Fitzwater Dr. to advertise
  • of abnormal symptoms or vital signs.
  • wearing campaign paraphernalia or carrying signs to a polling place with

“sines”

  • Sines
  • only one sizeable fishing port, Sines; and in the past, shellfish
  • The sines and cosines in the Fourier
  • represented as a sum of sines and cosines, each suitably scaled

Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions are drawn from WordNet.

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