Signal vs. Signalise — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 18, 2024
Signal is a noun or verb indicating a gesture, action, or sound conveying information, while signalise is a verb meaning to make something known or significant, primarily used in British English.
Difference Between Signal and Signalise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Signal, as a noun, refers to a gesture, action, or sound used to convey information or instructions. Signalise, on the other hand, is a verb used mainly in British English, meaning to make something notable or significant. It can also mean to signal in the sense of communication, but it is less common in American English, where "signal" is more frequently used.
The verb "signal" in American English is versatile, often used in various contexts such as technology, transportation, and communication. In British English, "signalise" carries a slightly more formal tone and can also mean to make something conspicuous or to indicate a special feature.
While "signal" as a verb is straightforward and commonly understood in both American and British English, "signalise" tends to appear more in formal or literary contexts. The distinction lies mainly in regional usage and slight nuances in formality and context.
Signal can be both a noun and a verb, making it a more flexible term in everyday use. Signalise is strictly a verb, offering a specific meaning mostly within British English.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun and Verb
Verb
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Usage
Common in American and British English
Primarily British English
Meaning
Communicate or indicate information
Make something known or significant
Flexibility
Used in various contexts
More formal and specific contexts
Examples
Signal for help, traffic signal
Signalise a landmark, signalise importance
Compare with Definitions
Signal
A sign used to control movement, such as in traffic.
The green light is a signal to proceed.
Signalise
To indicate by a signal.
The captain signalised the start of the race.
Signal
An indicator of a particular situation or condition.
Yawning is often a signal of tiredness.
Signalise
To make notable or remarkable.
The event was signalised by a grand celebration.
Signal
To transmit information electronically.
The radio tower signals to multiple receivers.
Signalise
To make something known or prominent.
The monument was signalised as a historic landmark.
Signal
In signal processing, a signal is a function that conveys information about a phenomenon. In electronics and telecommunications, it refers to any time varying voltage, current, or electromagnetic wave that carries information.
Signalise
To signal, in a formal sense.
They signalised their intentions through diplomatic channels.
Signal
An indicator, such as a gesture or colored light, that serves as a means of communication.
Signalise
To point out or highlight.
He signalised his achievements during the speech.
Signal
A message communicated by such means.
Signalise
(British spelling) signalize
Signal
Something that incites action
The peace treaty was the signal for celebration.
Signalise
Provide with traffic signals;
Signalize a busy intersection
Signal
(Biology) A physical entity, such as a chemical or an electromagnetic wave, that activates a cell receptor and elicits a specific response.
Signalise
Communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs;
He signed his disapproval with a dismissive hand gesture
The diner signaled the waiters to bring the menu
Signal
(Electronics) An impulse or fluctuating quantity, as of electrical voltage or light intensity, whose variations represent coded information.
Signalise
Point out carefully and clearly
Signal
(Computers) A sequence of digital values whose variations represent coded information.
Signalise
Make conspicuous or noteworthy
Signal
The sound, image, or message transmitted or received by means of telecommunications.
Signal
Notably out of the ordinary
A signal feat.
A signal event.
Signal
To make a signal to
I signaled the driver to proceed.
Signal
To relate or make known by signals
They have signaled their willingness to negotiate.
Signal
To cause an effect in (a cell) by the activation of a receptor, as by a neurotransmitter or hormone.
Signal
To make a signal or signals.
Signal
A sequence of states representing an encoded message in a communication channel.
Signal
Any variation of a quantity or change in an entity over time that conveys information upon detection.
Signal
A sign made to give notice of some occurrence, command, or danger, or to indicate the start of a concerted action.
Signal
An on-off light, semaphore, or other device used to give an indication to another person.
Signal
(of a radio, TV, telephone, internet, etc.) An electromagnetic action, normally a voltage that is a function of time, that conveys the information of the radio or TV program or of communication with another party.
My mobile phone can't get a signal in the railway station.
Signal
An action, change or process done to convey information and thus reduce uncertainty.
Signal
A token; an indication; a foreshadowing; a sign.
Signal
Useful information, as opposed to noise.
Signal
A simple interprocess communication used to notify a process or thread of an occurrence.
Signal
(biochemistry) A signalling interaction between cells
Signal
(ambitransitive) To indicate; to convey or communicate by a signal.
I signalled my acquiescence with a nod.
He whistled to signal that we should stop.
Signal
(transitive) To communicate with (a person or system) by a signal.
Seeing the flames, he ran to the control room and signalled headquarters.
Signal
Standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement.
A signal exploit; a signal success; a signal act of benevolence
Signal
A sign made for the purpose of giving notice to a person of some occurence, command, or danger; also, a sign, event, or watchword, which has been agreed upon as the occasion of concerted action.
All obeyedThe wonted signal and superior voiceOf this great potentate.
Signal
A token; an indication; a foreshadowing; a sign.
The weary sun . . . Gives signal of a goodly day to-morrow.
There was not the least signal of the calamity to be seen.
Signal
Noticeable; distinguished from what is ordinary; eminent; remarkable; memorable; as, a signal exploit; a signal service; a signal act of benevolence.
As signal now in low, dejected stateAs erst in highest, behold him where he lies.
Signal
Of or pertaining to signals, or the use of signals in conveying information; as, a signal flag or officer.
Signal
To communicate by signals; as, to signal orders.
Signal
To notify by a signals; to make a signal or signals to; as, to signal a fleet to anchor.
Signal
Any communication that encodes a message;
Signals from the boat suddenly stopped
Signal
Any incitement to action;
He awaited the signal to start
The victory was a signal for wild celebration
Signal
An electric quantity (voltage or current or field strength) whose modulation represents coded information about the source from which it comes
Signal
Communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs;
He signed his disapproval with a dismissive hand gesture
The diner signaled the waiters to bring the menu
Signal
Be a signal for or a symptom of;
These symptoms indicate a serious illness
Her behavior points to a severe neurosis
The economic indicators signal that the euro is undervalued
Signal
Notably out of the ordinary;
The year saw one signal triumph for the Labour party
Signal
A gesture or sound conveying information.
The siren is a signal of an emergency.
Signal
To communicate or indicate by a signal.
She signaled the waiter to come over.
Common Curiosities
Are "signal" and "signalise" interchangeable?
Not always; "signal" is more versatile and common, while "signalise" is specific and formal.
What does "signalise" mean in British English?
"Signalise" means to make something known or significant, often in a formal context.
What is the primary difference between "signal" and "signalise"?
"Signal" can be a noun or verb, used widely in American English, while "signalise" is a verb used mainly in British English.
Is "signalise" commonly used in American English?
No, "signalise" is rarely used in American English; "signal" is preferred.
Can "signal" be used as a noun?
Yes, "signal" can be a noun indicating a sign or gesture conveying information.
Can "signal" refer to traffic lights?
Yes, traffic lights are often called signals.
Is "signal" used in communication?
Yes, it is commonly used to describe sending or receiving messages.
Does "signalise" have a noun form?
No, "signalise" is strictly a verb.
Is "signalise" found in American English dictionaries?
Yes, but it is marked as chiefly British.
Can "signal" be used metaphorically?
Yes, it can indicate a metaphorical sign, like "a signal of change."
What part of speech is "signalise"?
"Signalise" is a verb.
Is "signal" used in technology?
Yes, "signal" is often used in technology to describe data transmission.
Does "signalise" imply importance?
Yes, it often implies making something notable or significant.
Which term is more formal?
"Signalise" is generally more formal than "signal."
How do you use "signal" in a sentence?
e.g., "He gave a signal to start the meeting."
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
