Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

countersign

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.67 in modern English

Syllables: coun-ter-sign
IPA

14

Scrabble Score

11

Letters

3

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A second signature added to a document to affirm the validity of the signature of the first person.

noun

The response to a sign or signal.

verb

To sign on the opposite side of (a document).

Transitive verb

verb

To add a second signature to a document, affirming the validity of the signature of another person.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

"Only those who give the countersign may enter the Masonic Lodge."

Etymology

From Middle French contresigne. Equivalent to counter- + sign.

Origin

Source language: Middle French

Word Breakdown

Prefix: counter
Root: contresigne

Usage

Transitive verb

Inflected Forms

countersigns (plural) countersigns (present, singular) countersigning (participle, present) countersigned (participle, past) countersigned (past)

Derived Forms

countersigner

Synonyms

witness countersignature password watchword word parole

Questions

What does countersign mean?: A second signature added to a document to affirm the validity of the signature of the first person.
Where does countersign come from?: It is traced to Middle French.

How to pronounce countersign

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