Signals can move—blink, rise through the air; signs not so much.
Signals alerts to present or future conditions; signs can be seen in hindsight.
A Sign is a clearly visible object, generally flat, bearing a short message in words or pictures.
- A traffic sign.
- A meaningful gesture.
- An astrological sign.
- A specific gesture or motion used to communicate by those with speaking or hearing difficulties; now specifically, a linguistic unit in sign language equivalent to word in spoken languages.
- Sign language in general.
A signal is an indication given to another person (a radio, TV, telephone, internet, etc.).
To signal – to indicate.
For example:
My mobile phone can’t get a signal in the railway station.
The police officer signaled me to stop.
Signals by authorised persons
You must obey signals given by police officers, traffic officers and traffic wardens.
