Sign vs. Indication — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
A sign is an overt and direct symbol or signal indicating a fact or quality, whereas an indication is a suggestion or piece of evidence that indirectly points to a conclusion.
Difference Between Sign and Indication
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A sign is typically a clear, often physical manifestation meant to communicate specific information or instructions, such as a road sign or a sign of illness. On the other hand, an indication refers to a hint or clue that may suggest a state or condition but is not as explicit as a sign.
Signs are designed to be straightforward and unambiguous, ensuring that the message is immediately understood. Whereas indications require interpretation and might not provide conclusive information on their own.
In medical contexts, a sign is something observable by a doctor, like a rash or a swollen limb, which can definitively indicate a particular diagnosis. Indications, in contrast, might include more subjective symptoms like pain or fatigue, which suggest but do not confirm medical conditions.
Signs can also refer to agreed-upon symbols in communication systems, such as linguistic signs or traffic signs. Indications, however, often involve a process of deduction or inference, such as inferring mood from someone's behavior.
In terms of usage, signs are often employed where clarity and immediate understanding are necessary. Indications are more frequently used in contexts where direct evidence is unavailable, and assumptions must be made based on available clues.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An explicit marker or symbol.
A hint or clue suggesting something.
Clarity
Direct and clear.
Indirect and requires interpretation.
Usage in Communication
Used for straightforward information.
Used for suggestive or inferential information.
Example in Medicine
Observable symptoms like a fever.
Subjective symptoms like pain.
Reliability
Generally reliable and objective.
More subjective and less definitive.
Compare with Definitions
Sign
A public display conveying information or instructions.
The stop sign at the corner controls traffic flow.
Indication
A symptom that suggests the possibility of a disease.
A fever is an indication of many infections.
Sign
An act or fact that indicates the presence or existence of something.
Smoke is a sign of fire.
Indication
Evidence that suggests something indirectly.
High sales are an indication of a successful product.
Sign
A sign is an object, quality, event, or entity whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else. A natural sign bears a causal relation to its object—for instance, thunder is a sign of storm, or medical symptoms a sign of disease.
Indication
A hint or implication of something.
Her hesitation was an indication of her reluctance.
Sign
An object, quality, or event whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else
The shops are full, which is a sign that the recession is past its worst
Flowers are often given as a sign of affection
Indication
Inferences drawn from data or behavior.
Market trends serve as indications of economic shifts.
Sign
A gesture or action used to convey information or an instruction
She gave him the thumbs-up sign
Indication
The act of indicating
His indication of refusal came in the form of a frown.
Sign
A notice on public display that gives information or instructions in a written or symbolic form
I didn't see the ‘Stop’ sign
Indication
Something that serves to indicate; a sign
Indications of an economic recovery.
Sign
Each of the twelve equal sections into which the zodiac is divided, named from the constellations formerly situated in each, and associated with successive periods of the year according to the position of the sun on the ecliptic
A person born under the sign of Virgo
A sign of the Zodiac
Indication
Something indicated as necessary or expedient
Bed rest is usually the indication for flu cases.
Sign
The positiveness or negativeness of a quantity
The last four bits hold a pattern to represent the sign of the number
Indication
The information indicated by a measuring instrument.
Sign
Write one's name on (a letter, card, document, etc.) to identify oneself as the writer or sender
The card was signed by the whole class
Indication
Act of pointing out or indicating.
Sign
Use gestures to convey information or instructions
She signed to her husband to leave the room
Indication
That which serves to indicate or point out; mark; token; sign; symptom; evidence.
There's no indication that the fire was caused by criminals.
All the indications point to drink-driving as the cause of the accident.
Sign
Indicate with signposts or other markers
The footpath is signed by the gate
Indication
Discovery made; information.
Sign
Mark or consecrate with the sign of the cross
He signed himself with the cross
Indication
(obsolete) Explanation; display.
Sign
Something that suggests the presence or existence of a fact, condition, or quality
A high temperature is a sign of fever.
Indication
(medicine) Any symptom or occurrence in a disease, which serves to direct to suitable remedies.
Sign
An act or gesture used to convey an idea, a desire, information, or a command
Gave the go-ahead sign.
Indication
(finance) An declared approximation of the price at which a traded security is likely to commence trading.
Sign
Sign language.
Indication
Act of pointing out or indicating.
Sign
A displayed structure bearing lettering or symbols, used to identify or advertise a place of business
A motel with a flashing neon sign outside.
Indication
That which serves to indicate or point out; mark; token; sign; symptom; evidence.
The frequent stops they make in the most convenient places are plain indications of their weariness.
Sign
A posted notice bearing a designation, direction, or command
An EXIT sign above a door.
A traffic sign.
Indication
Discovery made; information.
Sign
A conventional figure or device that stands for a word, phrase, or operation; a symbol, as in mathematics or in musical notation.
Indication
Explanation; display.
Sign
Pl. sign An indicator, such as a dropping or footprint, of the trail of an animal
Looking for deer sign.
Indication
Any symptom or occurrence in a disease, which serves to direct to suitable remedies. Opposite of contraindication.
Sign
A trace or vestige
No sign of life.
Indication
Something that serves to indicate or suggest;
An indication of foul play
Indications of strain
Symptoms are the prime indicants of disease
Sign
A portentous incident or event; a presage
Took the eclipse as a sign from God.
Indication
The act of indicating or pointing out by name
Sign
(Medicine) An objective finding, usually detected on physical examination, from a laboratory test, or on an x-ray, that indicates the presence of abnormality or disease.
Indication
(medicine) a reason to prescribe a drug or perform a procedure;
The presence of bacterial infection was an indication for the use of antibiotics
Sign
One of the 12 divisions of the zodiac, each named for a constellation and represented by a symbol.
Indication
Something (as a course of action) that is indicated as expedient or necessary;
There were indications that it was time to leave
Sign
To affix one's signature to
Signed the letter.
Indication
A datum about some physical state that is presented to a user by a meter or similar instrument;
He could not believe the meter reading
The barometer gave clear indications of an approaching storm
Sign
To write (one's signature)
Signed her name to the contract.
Indication
Clues used in the process of diagnosis.
Patient history provides indications about their health.
Sign
To approve or ratify (a document) by affixing a signature, seal, or other mark
Sign a bill into law.
Sign
To hire or engage by obtaining a signature on a contract
Signed a rookie pitcher for next season.
Sign up actors for a tour.
Sign
To relinquish or transfer title to by signature
Signed away all her claims to the estate.
Sign
To provide with a sign or signs
Sign a new highway.
Sign
To communicate with a sign or signs
Signed his approval with a nod.
Sign
To express (a word or thought, for example) in a sign language
Signed her reply to the question.
Sign
To consecrate with the sign of the cross.
Sign
To make a sign or signs; signal.
Sign
To communicate in a sign language.
Sign
To write one's signature.
Sign
A perceptible (e.g. visible) indication.
Their angry expressions were a clear sign they didn't want to talk.
Those clouds show signs of raining soon.
Those clouds show little sign of raining soon.
Signs of disease are objective, whereas symptoms are subjective.
The sharp sign indicates that the pitch of the note is raised a half step.
I gave them a thumbs-up sign.
Sign
Physical evidence left by an animal.
The hunters found deer sign at the end of the trail.
Sign
A clearly visible object, generally flat, bearing a short message in words or pictures.
The sign in the window advertised a room for rent.
I missed the sign at the corner so I took the wrong turn.
Sign
A wonder; miracle; prodigy.
Sign
(astrology) An astrological sign.
Your sign is Taurus? That's no surprise.
Sign
(mathematics) Positive or negative polarity, as denoted by the + or - sign.
I got the magnitude right, but the sign was wrong.
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
(uncountable) Sign language in general.
Sorry, I don't know sign very well.
Sign
A semantic unit, something that conveys meaning or information (e.g. a word of written language); a unit consisting of a signifier and a signified concept. sign (semiotics)]].
Sign
An omen.
"It's a sign of the end of the world," the doom prophet said.
Sign
(medicine) A property of the body that indicates a disease and, unlike a symptom, can be detected objectively by someone other than the patient.
Sign
A military emblem carried on a banner or standard.
Sign
To make a mark
Sign
To seal (a document etc.) with an identifying seal or symbol.
The Queen signed her letter with the regal signet.
Sign
(transitive) To mark, to put or leave a mark on.
Sign
(transitive) To validate or ratify (a document) by writing one's signature on it.
Sign
(transitive) More generally, to write one's signature on (something) as a means of identification etc.
I forgot to sign that letter to my aunt.
Sign
To write (one's name) as a signature.
Just sign your name at the bottom there.
I received a letter from some woman who signs herself ‘Mrs Trellis’.
Sign
(intransitive) To write one's signature.
Please sign on the dotted line.
Sign
(intransitive) To finalise a contractual agreement to work for a given sports team, record label etc.
Sign
(transitive) To engage (a sports player, musician etc.) in a contract.
It was a great month. I managed to sign three major players.
Sign
To make the sign of the cross
Sign
(transitive) To bless (someone or something) with the sign of the cross; to mark with the sign of the cross.
Sign
(reflexive) To cross oneself.
Sign
To indicate
Sign
(intransitive) To communicate using a gesture or signal.
Sign
(transitive) To communicate or make known (a meaning, intention, etc.) by a sign.
Sign
(transitive) To communicate using gestures to (someone).
He signed me that I should follow him through the doorway.
Sign
(intransitive) To use sign language.
Sign
(transitive) To furnish (a road etc.) with signs.
Sign
To determine the sign of
Sign
(transitive) To calculate or derive whether a quantity has a positive or negative sign.
Sign
That by which anything is made known or represented; that which furnishes evidence; a mark; a token; an indication; a proof.
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God.
It shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.
Sign
Something serving to indicate the existence, or preserve the memory, of a thing; a token; a memorial; a monument.
What time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men, and they became a sign.
Sign
Any symbol or emblem which prefigures, typifles, or represents, an idea; a type; hence, sometimes, a picture.
The holy symbols, or signs, are not barely significative; but what they represent is as certainly delivered to us as the symbols themselves.
Saint George of Merry England, the sign of victory.
Sign
A word or a character regarded as the outward manifestation of thought; as, words are the sign of ideas.
They made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
Sign
Hence, one of the gestures of pantomime, or of a language of a signs such as those used by the North American Indians, or those used by the deaf and dumb.
Sign
A military emblem carried on a banner or a standard.
The shops were, therefore, distinguished by painted signs, which gave a gay and grotesque aspect to the streets.
Sign
The twelfth part of the ecliptic or zodiac.
Sign
A character indicating the relation of quantities, or an operation performed upon them; as, the sign + (plus); the sign - (minus); the sign of division ÷, and the like.
Sign
Any character, as a flat, sharp, dot, etc.
An outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.
Sign
To represent by a sign; to make known in a typical or emblematic manner, in distinction from speech; to signify.
I signed to Browne to make his retreat.
Sign
To make a sign upon; to mark with a sign.
We receive this child into the congregation of Christ's flock, and do sign him with the sign of the cross.
Sign
To affix a signature to; to ratify by hand or seal; to subscribe in one's own handwriting.
Inquire the Jew's house out, give him this deed,And let him sign it.
Sign
To assign or convey formally; - used with away.
Sign
To mark; to make distinguishable.
Sign
To be a sign or omen.
Sign
To make a sign or signal; to communicate directions or intelligence by signs.
Sign
To write one's name, esp. as a token of assent, responsibility, or obligation.
Sign
A perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened);
He showed signs of strain
They welcomed the signs of spring
Sign
A public display of a (usually written) message;
He posted signs in all the shop windows
Sign
Any communication that encodes a message;
Signals from the boat suddenly stopped
Sign
Structure displaying a board on which advertisements can be posted;
The highway was lined with signboards
Sign
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
Sign
(medicine) any objective evidence of the presence of a disorder or disease;
There were no signs of asphixiation
Sign
Having an indicated pole (as the distinction between positive and negative electric charges);
He got the polarity of the battery reversed
Charges of opposite sign
Sign
An event that is experienced as indicating important things to come;
He hoped it was an augury
It was a sign from God
Sign
A gesture that is part of a sign language
Sign
A fundamental linguistic unit linking a signifier to that which is signified;
The bond between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary
Sign
A character indicating a relation between quantities;
Don't forget the minus sign
Sign
Mark with one's signature; write one's name (on);
She signed the letter and sent it off
Please sign here
Sign
Approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation;
All parties ratified the peace treaty
Have you signed your contract yet?
Sign
Be engaged by a written agreement;
He signed to play the casino on Dec. 18
The soprano signed to sing the new opera
Sign
Engage by written agreement;
They signed two new pitchers for the next season
Sign
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
Sign
Place signs, as along a road;
Sign an intersection
This road has been signed
Sign
Communicate in sign language;
I don't know how to sign, so I could not communicate with my deaf cousin
Sign
Make the sign of the cross over someone in order to call on God for protection; consecrate
Sign
Used of the language of the deaf
Sign
A gesture used to convey information or instructions.
She gave a sign to remain quiet.
Sign
Symbols used in semiotics to represent an idea.
Words are signs in the language system.
Sign
Observable evidence of a disease.
A rash can be a sign of an allergic reaction.
Common Curiosities
Can an indication lead to a definitive conclusion?
Indications can suggest conclusions but typically require further evidence or investigation.
How can indications be helpful in everyday decision-making?
Indications can provide preliminary hints or trends that help in making decisions when direct evidence is not available.
What is a sign in communication?
A sign in communication is a defined symbol or gesture that conveys specific information or instructions.
Is an indication always related to something negative?
No, indications can suggest positive outcomes or trends as well, such as indications of economic growth or recovery.
Are signs more reliable than indications?
Generally, signs are considered more reliable as they are clear and objective, unlike the more inferential indications.
What role do signs play in safety?
Signs are crucial in safety, providing explicit warnings and instructions to prevent accidents and ensure secure environments.
Can indications be misleading?
Yes, indications can sometimes be misleading if interpreted incorrectly or if based on insufficient or ambiguous data.
What is the significance of signs in cultural contexts?
Signs hold significant cultural meanings, often representing shared beliefs, customs, or values within a community.
How do signs differ from indications in medical terms?
Signs are observable and measurable symptoms used in diagnosis, whereas indications are less direct, often based on subjective symptoms.
How are signs used in advertising?
In advertising, signs are used to attract attention, convey messages quickly and clearly, and prompt specific actions from the audience.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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.
