Signed vs. Signature — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023
"Signed" is the past tense of "sign," indicating the act of writing one's name, while "Signature" is the actual written representation of a person's name.
Difference Between Signed and Signature
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Signed" and "Signature" are closely related but serve distinct purposes in language. "Signed" denotes the action of endorsing or approving something by writing one's name. In contrast, "Signature" refers to the specific way a person writes their name, often uniquely identifiable.
Documents, agreements, or art pieces are often "Signed" to show authenticity, approval, or ownership. The "Signature" on these items then stands as a mark of its originality or the agreement of the signatory.
When one says a document has been "Signed," it means someone has put their "Signature" on it. The act of signing leaves behind a signature, which is a visual confirmation of the agreement or endorsement.
An item might be described as "Signed" by a celebrity, indicating that the star has autographed it. The value of such an item often increases due to the presence of the "Signature," verifying its authenticity.
It's worth noting that in the digital age, both "Signed" and "Signature" have evolved. Now, electronic documents can be "Signed" digitally, and the "Signature" may be a secure encryption rather than a handwritten name.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb (past tense of "sign")
Noun
Denotes
The act of signing
The written name or mark
Use in a Sentence
"She signed the letter."
"Her signature was at the bottom of the page."
Relation to Authenticity
Indicates the act of authenticating
Represents the authentication itself
Digital Context
Can refer to the act of digital endorsement
Can be a digital encryption or code
Compare with Definitions
Signed
Marked with one's signature.
The painting was signed by the artist.
Signature
A person's name written by themselves.
The signature on the check was illegible.
Signed
Used in the context of languages for the deaf.
They communicated through signed language.
Signature
A distinctive pattern, product, or characteristic.
The chef's signature dish was always in demand.
Signed
Approved or endorsed.
The treaty was signed by all nations.
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.
Signed
Confirmed or authenticated.
The certificate was signed by the dean.
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
Signed
Indicated or communicated silently.
He signed his approval with a nod.
Signature
Short for key signature or time signature
Signed
Having a signature affixed
A signed document.
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.
Signed
Of, relating to, or expressed in a sign language
A signed translation.
Signature
The part of a medical prescription that gives instructions about the use of the medicine or drug prescribed.
Signed
Having a signature; endorsed.
The signed check could be cashed.
Signature
One's name as written by oneself.
Signed
Having both positive and negative varieties.
It wasn't until they tried to subtract 3 from 1 that the elementary school students realized they needed signed numbers.
Signature
The act of signing one's name.
Signed
(of a road, route) Furnished with signs and signposts; signposted.
Signature
See e-signature.
Signed
Simple past tense and past participle of sign
Signature
A distinctive mark, characteristic, or sound indicating identity
A surprise ending is the signature of an O. Henry short story.
Signed
Having a handwritten signature;
A signed letter
Signature
(Medicine) The part of a physician's prescription containing directions to the patient.
Signed
Used of the language of the deaf
Signature
A sign used to indicate key.
Signature
A sign used to indicate tempo.
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.
Signature
A large sheet printed with four or a multiple of four pages that when folded becomes a section of the book.
Signature
See chemical signature.
Signature
A person's name, written by that person, used as identification or to signify approval of accompanying material, such as a legal contract.
Signature
An act of signing one's name; an act of producing a signature.
Signature
(medicine) The part of a doctor’s prescription containing directions for the patient.
Signature
(music) Signs on the stave indicating key and tempo, composed of the key signature and the time signature.
Signature
(printing) A group of four (or a multiple of four) sheets printed such that, when folded, they become a section of a book.
Signature
(computing) A pattern used for matching the identity of a virus, the parameter types of a method, etc.
Signature
(cryptography) Data attached to a message that guarantees that the message originated from its claimed source.
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
Signature
A short tune or theme associated with something.
The show had a catchy signature tune.
Signature
A key or scale in music.
The song had a signature of C major.
Signature
A digital code that authenticates a document.
The software checks the signature of downloaded files.
Common Curiosities
What's a "Signature" dish?
It's a distinctive dish associated with a particular chef or restaurant.
What does "Signed" mean?
"Signed" refers to the act of writing one's name or giving approval.
Is a "Signature" always handwritten?
No, a "Signature" can be digital or a unique mark representing a person.
Can emails be "Signed"?
Yes, emails can have digital "Signatures" for authentication.
Why are documents "Signed"?
Documents are "Signed" to show agreement, approval, or authenticity.
Can "Signature" refer to a unique characteristic?
Yes, "Signature" can denote a distinctive feature or trait of something.
What is a digital "Signature"?
A digital "Signature" is an encrypted code that verifies a document's authenticity.
Can a thumbprint be a "Signature"?
Yes, in some cultures or contexts, a thumbprint can act as a "Signature."
Are all signed documents legally binding?
Not always, some documents need further validation beyond a "Signature."
Is signing the same as putting a "Signature"?
Yes, signing results in a "Signature" on a document or item.
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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.
