Sign a Contract: Meaning, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：execute a contract (sign a contract)

sign a contract 🔊

/saɪn ə ˈkɒntrækt/

phr.

To write your name on a formal agreement to show you agree to its terms.

Sign a contract: two people shaking hands with signed document and pen

execute a contract 🔊

➕

/ˈeksɪkjuːt ə ˈkɒntrækt/

phr.

The act of putting your signature on a binding document to indicate consent and commitment.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Sign from Latin 'signum' (mark); contract from 'con-' (together) + 'trahere' (pull).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine 'sign' as a 'sign' of agreement; 'contract' as 'con-tract' - together pulled into a deal.

📖 Example

After getting the job offer, she happily went to the office to sign a contract that outlined her salary and working hours. 🔊 After getting the job offer, she happily went to the office to sign a contract that outlined her salary and working hours.

🔗 Collocations

draft a contract – To prepare a written agreement before signing

breach a contract – To violate the terms of a signed agreement

sign a contract – To formally execute a legal agreement

🔄 Synonyms

execute an agreement (phr.) – To carry out the terms of a contract by signing it

seal the deal (phr.) – To finalize an agreement, often by signing

enter into a contract (phr.) – To become legally bound by signing a contract

🚫 Antonyms

breach a contract (phr.) – To violate the terms of a signed agreement

rescind a contract (phr.) – To revoke or cancel a contract

🌱 Derivatives

signature (n.) – A person's name written in a distinctive way as a form of identification in signing contracts

contractual (adj.) – Relating to or contained in a contract

contractor (n.) – A person or company that agrees to provide goods or services under a contract

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'contract' derives from Latin 'contractus' (drawn together), reflecting the binding nature of agreements. In Roman law, signing a contract was a solemn act.