The G in Sign Is Silent but Not Useless
A sign is a mark or indication. Its silent g reappears in related words.
A sign is a mark, gesture or object that conveys meaning. The silent g looks like dead weight until you look at the family: *signal*, *signature*, *significant* and *designate* all pronounce it. English keeps the letter so the relationship between the words stays visible on the page, even when the sound drops. The same logic explains the g in *malign* beside *malignant*, and the b in *bomb* beside *bombard*. Latin *signum* meant a mark or a military standard.
- An indication. *A sign of spring.*
- A notice. *A road sign.*
- To write your name. *Signing the form.*
- A gesture. *Sign language.*
- Latin — *signum*, a mark. *The root.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | sign | A sign. |
| Verb | sign | Signing. |
| Related | signal | A signal. |
| Related | signature | A signature. |
| Latin | signum | A mark. |
- A sign of trouble.Indication.
- Sign here, please.Verb.
- Signal pronounces the g.Spelling.
Silent letters that come back
- Sign and signal, signature
- Malign and malignant
- Bomb and bombard
- Muscle and muscular
- Condemn and condemnation
Old French *signe*, from Latin *signum*, a mark, token or military standard.
Why does sign have a silent g?
To keep its visible link to signal, signature and significant, where the g is pronounced.
What did signum mean in Latin?
A mark or token, and also a military standard carried by a legion.