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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Signal Meaning: Definition, Examples & Usage (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：an indication (signal)

signal 🔊

/ˈsɪɡnəl/

A sign, light, or sound that is used to give information, a warning, or an order.

Traffic signal with green light illuminated at intersection

an indication 🔊

➕

/ən ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃən/

A visible, audible, or measurable phenomenon used to convey information, warning, or an order, often through a device or natural event.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'signum' (mark, sign) + '-al' (suffix forming nouns).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'sign' that 'al'arms you—a signal is a sign that triggers an action.

📖 Example

My phone loses its signal whenever I enter the old library building. 🔊 My phone loses its signal whenever I enter the old library building.

🔗 Collocations

signal strength – The power or intensity of a transmitted signal, often referring to radio or cellular reception.

traffic signal – A set of colored lights (red, yellow, green) at an intersection to control vehicle movement.

distress signal – A communication sent to indicate an emergency and request help.

🔄 Synonyms

indication (n.) – A piece of information or a sign that suggests something is true.

sign (n.) – An object, event, or gesture that conveys information or a warning.

alarm (n.) – A warning device or sound that signals danger or a need for attention.

🚫 Antonyms

silence (n.) – Absence of any audible or visible signal.

darkness (n.) – Lack of light, making visual signals impossible.

🌱 Derivatives

signaler (n.) – A person or device that sends a signal.

signaling (n.) – The act or process of transmitting a signal.

signalize (v.) – To make something noticeable or to equip with signals.

📖 Cultural Story

The word entered English via Old French 'seignal' around the 14th century, originally referring to a military or naval sign. It became widely used in telecommunications in the 19th century.

Meaning 2：to gesture (signal)

signal 🔊

/ˈsɪɡnəl/

To make a movement or sound to give information or tell someone to do something.

Hand activating car turn signal lever on dashboard

to gesture 🔊

➕

/tuː ˈdʒestʃər/

To make a deliberate movement, sound, or use a device to convey a message, instruction, or request to someone.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

He signalled to the waiter for the bill by making a small writing motion in the air. 🔊 He signalled to the waiter for the bill by making a small writing motion in the air.

🔗 Collocations

signal for help – To make a gesture or sound to indicate an urgent need for assistance.

signal someone to stop – To use a hand motion or flag to instruct a person or vehicle to halt.

signal with lights – To flash lights or use a lighthouse beam to communicate a message.

🔄 Synonyms

gesture (v.) – To move a part of the body to express an idea or feeling.

indicate (v.) – To point out or direct attention to something through a signal.

beckon (v.) – To make a gesture inviting or ordering someone to come nearer.

🚫 Antonyms

ignore (v.) – To refuse to acknowledge or respond to a signal.

conceal (v.) – To hide signs or prevent any communication from being seen or heard.

🌱 Derivatives

signaller (n.) – A person who gives signals, especially in sports or military contexts.

signaling (n.) – The action of sending signals.