Autograph vs. Signature — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 19, 2023
An autograph is a handwritten signature, typically by someone famous, given as a memento. A signature is a person's name written in a distinctive way as a form of identification. Autographs are often for fans; signatures are for official documents.
Difference Between Autograph and Signature
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An autograph is generally a celebrity's or famous person's handwritten name, usually given to fans as a keepsake or memento. A signature, on the other hand, is any individual's handwritten name used primarily for the purpose of identification and legal validation. They serve different functions in society.
While an autograph is sought for its sentimental or collectible value, a signature is often obligatory, used in various documents to signify agreement or confirmation. Autographs are desired; signatures are required.
Autographs are usually accompanied by flourishes, doodles, or personal messages, making them unique artifacts. Signatures are often plain and direct, stripped of any extra elements to ensure that they are easily recognizable and verifiable. One is ornate; the other is pragmatic.
In the legal context, an autograph isn't generally considered valid for official documents unless it conforms to the standards of a legal signature. Signatures are legally binding and can be used in court as evidence. Autographs have emotional value; signatures have legal value.
Grammatically speaking, both "autograph" and "signature" function as nouns. However, "autograph" can also be used as a verb, meaning to sign one's name, while "signature" is strictly a noun. Autograph has dual parts of speech; signature does not.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Sentimental, collectible
Identification, legal validation
Elements
May include messages, doodles
Generally plain
Legal Validity
Generally not legally binding
Legally binding
Grammatical Role
Noun, can also be a verb
Noun only
General Use
Usually by celebrities or artists
By anyone for official documents
Compare with Definitions
Autograph
A celebrity's handwritten name.
I got the actor's autograph after the show.
Signature
A handwritten name for identification.
Please put your signature on the dotted line.
Autograph
Can also be a verb.
Will you autograph my book?
Signature
Used for legal validation.
Your signature indicates you agree to the terms.
Autograph
A signature given as a memento.
She treasures the autograph she got from her favorite author.
Signature
Typically plain and consistent.
His signature is always the same for easy verification.
Autograph
Not legally binding.
An autograph isn't valid on a contract.
Signature
Legally binding.
A forged signature can be grounds for legal action.
Autograph
Often includes a personalized message.
The musician wrote 'Best Wishes' next to his autograph.
Signature
Always a noun.
The term 'signature' doesn't function as a verb.
Autograph
An autograph is a person's own handwriting or signature. The word autograph comes from Ancient Greek (αὐτός, autós, "self" and γράφω, gráphō, "write"), and can mean more specifically: a manuscript written by the author of its content.
Signature
A signature (; from Latin: signare, "to sign") is a handwritten (and often stylized) depiction of someone's name, nickname, or even a simple "X" or other mark that a person writes on documents as a proof of identity and intent. The writer of a signature is a signatory or signer.
Autograph
A signature, especially that of a celebrity written as a memento for an admirer
Fans surged around the car asking for autographs
Signature
A person's name written in a distinctive way as a form of identification in authorizing a cheque or document or concluding a letter
The signature of a senior manager
Autograph
A manuscript or musical score in an author's or musician's own handwriting
The earliest version of the work is possibly an autograph
Signature
Short for key signature or time signature
Autograph
Write one's signature on (something); sign
The whole team autographed a shirt for him
Signature
A letter or figure printed at the foot of one or more pages of each sheet of a book as a guide in binding.
Autograph
Written in the author's own handwriting
An autograph manuscript
Signature
The part of a medical prescription that gives instructions about the use of the medicine or drug prescribed.
Autograph
A person's own signature, especially considered as a collector's item.
Signature
One's name as written by oneself.
Autograph
A person's own handwriting.
Signature
The act of signing one's name.
Autograph
A manuscript in the author's handwriting.
Signature
See e-signature.
Autograph
To write one's name or signature on or in; sign
The actor autographed a picture of himself.
Signature
A distinctive mark, characteristic, or sound indicating identity
A surprise ending is the signature of an O. Henry short story.
Autograph
To write in one's own handwriting.
Signature
(Medicine) The part of a physician's prescription containing directions to the patient.
Autograph
Written in the writer's own handwriting
An autograph letter.
Signature
A sign used to indicate key.
Autograph
A person’s own handwriting, especially the signature of a famous or admired person.
Some autograph-hunters were pestering the players after the game.
Signature
A sign used to indicate tempo.
Autograph
A person's signature used as a mark of formal approval.
If you could just put your autograph on the ol' contract, please...
Signature
A letter, number, or symbol placed at the bottom of the first page on each sheet of printed pages of a book as a guide to the proper sequence of the sheets in binding.
Autograph
A manuscript in the author’s handwriting.
Signature
A large sheet printed with four or a multiple of four pages that when folded becomes a section of the book.
Autograph
Written in the author’s own handwriting.
Signature
See chemical signature.
Autograph
(art) Made by the artist himself or herself; authentic.
Signature
A person's name, written by that person, used as identification or to signify approval of accompanying material, such as a legal contract.
Autograph
(transitive) To sign, or write one’s name or signature on a book etc
Signature
An act of signing one's name; an act of producing a signature.
Autograph
(transitive) To write something in one's own handwriting
Signature
(medicine) The part of a doctor’s prescription containing directions for the patient.
Autograph
That which is written with one's own hand; an original manuscript; a person's own signature or handwriting.
Signature
(music) Signs on the stave indicating key and tempo, composed of the key signature and the time signature.
Autograph
In one's own handwriting; as, an autograph letter; an autograph will.
Signature
(printing) A group of four (or a multiple of four) sheets printed such that, when folded, they become a section of a book.
Autograph
Something written by one's own hand
Signature
(computing) A pattern used for matching the identity of a virus, the parameter types of a method, etc.
Autograph
A person's own signature
Signature
(cryptography) Data attached to a message that guarantees that the message originated from its claimed source.
Autograph
Mark with one's signature;
The author autographed his book
Signature
(figurative) A mark or sign of implication.
Signature
A dish that is characteristic of a particular chef.
Signature
(mathematics) A tuple specifying the sign of coefficients in any diagonal form of a quadratic form.
Signature
A resemblance between the external character of a disease and those of some physical agent, for instance, that existing between the red skin of scarlet fever and a red cloth; supposed to indicate this agent in the treatment of the disease.
Signature
(internet) Text (or images, etc.) appended to a user's emails, newsgroup posts, forum posts, etc. as a way of adding a personal touch or including contact details.
Your signature must not exceed three lines of text, or 600 pixels in height.
Forum signature generator
Signature
Distinctive, characteristic, indicative of identity.
Rabbit in mustard sauce is my signature dish.
The signature route of the airline is its daily flight between Buenos Aires and Madrid.
Signature
A sign, stamp, or mark impressed, as by a seal.
The brain, being well furnished with various traces, signatures, and images.
The natural and indelible signature of God, which human souls . . . are supposed to be stamped with.
Signature
Especially, the name of any person, written with his own hand, employed to signify that the writing which precedes accords with his wishes or intentions; a sign manual; an autograph.
Signature
An outward mark by which internal characteristics were supposed to be indicated.
Some plants bear a very evident signature of their nature and use.
Signature
A resemblance between the external characters of a disease and those of some physical agent, for instance, that existing between the red skin of scarlet fever and a red cloth; - supposed to indicate this agent in the treatment of the disease.
Signature
The designation of the key (when not C major, or its relative, A minor) by means of one or more sharps or flats at the beginning of the staff, immediately after the clef, affecting all notes of the same letter throughout the piece or movement. Each minor key has the same signature as its relative major.
Signature
A letter or figure placed at the bottom of the first page of each sheet of a book or pamphlet, as a direction to the binder in arranging and folding the sheets.
Signature
That part of a prescription which contains the directions to the patient. It is usually prefaced by S or Sig. (an abbreviation for the Latin signa, imperative of signare to sign or mark).
Signature
To mark with, or as with, a signature or signatures.
Signature
Your name written in your own handwriting
Signature
A distinguishing style;
This room needs a woman's touch
Signature
A melody used to identify a performer or a dance band or radio/tv program
Signature
The sharps or flats that follow the clef and indicate the key
Signature
A sheet with several pages printed on it; it folds to page size and is bound with other signatures to form a book
Common Curiosities
What is an Autograph?
A handwritten name by someone famous, often given as a memento.
Is an Autograph legally binding?
Generally, no, unless it conforms to the legal standards of a signature.
Do Autographs often include personal messages?
Yes, they often include doodles or messages.
Who usually gives Autographs?
Celebrities, artists, or any famous person.
What is a Signature?
A person's name written for identification or legal validation.
Do Signatures include messages?
Typically, no. They are plain and to the point.
Are Signatures collected?
Generally, no, they are not considered collectibles.
Can 'Autograph' be used as a verb?
Yes, for example, "Can you autograph my book?"
Is a Signature always legally binding?
Yes, in most cases, it is legally binding.
Do people collect Autographs?
Yes, they are often collected as memorabilia.
How do Autographs and Signatures differ grammatically?
"Autograph" can be both a noun and a verb; "Signature" is only a noun.
Can 'Signature' be used as a verb?
No, it is only a noun.
Who usually gives Signatures?
Anyone, for official or legal documents.
Can an Autograph become a Signature?
Only if it meets the criteria for legal validation.
Is an Autograph the same as a Signature?
No, they serve different purposes.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
