Signature vs. Signatory — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 2, 2023
A "signature" is a person's name written in a distinctive way, while a "signatory" is a person or entity that has signed an agreement.
Difference Between Signature and Signatory
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A signature is a person's handwritten depiction of their name or initials. In contrast, a signatory is the individual or party who signs a document. While a signature is a physical mark, a signatory is the person making that mark.
Signatures are often required to authenticate documents. A signatory, on the other hand, is the person whose signature is on the document, thus providing the authentication. Signatures confirm authenticity, whereas signatories are the agents of that confirmation.
In legal terms, a signature can be a crucial element of a contract. The signatory of that contract is the one whose signature binds them to the agreement. Here, the signature is the act, while the signatory is the actor.
Artistic works often bear the signature of their creator. In agreements or treaties, however, it is the signatories who hold importance, as they represent the parties involved. A signature signifies personal style, while a signatory signifies participation or agreement.
In banking, a signature is used to authorize transactions. The signatory of a bank account is the person authorized to perform these transactions. The signature is a tool of authorization, whereas the signatory is the wielder of that tool.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Handwritten depiction of one's name
Person/entity who signs a document
Function
Authenticates and validates documents
The signer of a document
Context
Can be on artwork, documents, or legal papers
Involved in contracts, agreements, treaties
Role
Acts as proof or symbol
Represents the party entering an agreement
Legal Relevance
Serves as consent or agreement
Holds responsibility for the signed content
Compare with Definitions
Signature
Symbol of authentication.
The document required his signature for validation.
Signatory
Party bound by a signed agreement.
The company was a signatory to the international trade agreement.
Signature
A sign of consent or approval.
The contract became binding with his signature.
Signatory
A person who signs a document.
As a signatory, she was responsible for the contract's terms.
Signature
Unique feature or quality.
The chef’s signature dish was popular among patrons.
Signatory
One who provides authorization via signature.
He was the sole signatory on the bank account.
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.
Signatory
Participant in a signed accord.
All signatories of the declaration were prominent leaders.
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
Signatory
Entity that enters into a contract.
The government became a signatory of the environmental treaty.
Signature
Short for key signature or time signature
Signatory
A party that has signed an agreement, especially a state that has signed a treaty
The signatory states
Britain is a signatory to the convention
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.
Signatory
Bound by signed agreement
The signatory parties to a contract.
Signature
The part of a medical prescription that gives instructions about the use of the medicine or drug prescribed.
Signatory
One who has signed a contract or other legal document as a party.
Signature
One's name as written by oneself.
Signatory
A country that is a party to a treaty.
Signature
The act of signing one's name.
Signatory
One who signs or has signed something.
Signature
See e-signature.
Signatory
Relating to a seal; used in sealing.
Signature
A distinctive mark, characteristic, or sound indicating identity
A surprise ending is the signature of an O. Henry short story.
Signatory
Signing; joining or sharing in a signature.
Signatory powers
Signature
(Medicine) The part of a physician's prescription containing directions to the patient.
Signatory
Relating to a seal; used in sealing.
Signature
A sign used to indicate key.
Signatory
Signing; joining or sharing in a signature; as, signatory powers.
Signature
A sign used to indicate tempo.
Signatory
A signer; one who signs or subscribes; as, a conference of signatories.
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.
Signatory
Someone who signs and is bound by a document
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
Personalized handwritten mark.
Her signature at the bottom of the painting was distinct.
Signature
A distinctive way of signing.
The artist's signature was recognizable across all his works.
Common Curiosities
What is a signature?
A signature is a person's handwritten depiction of their name or initials.
What is a signatory?
A signatory is a person or entity that signs a document or agreement.
What makes a signature legally binding?
The intent to authenticate and consent to the contents of a document.
Can a signature be digital?
Yes, digital signatures are also recognized in many contexts.
What responsibilities does a signatory have?
A signatory is responsible for adhering to the terms of the signed agreement.
Can a minor be a signatory?
Generally, minors lack the legal capacity to be signatories on binding agreements.
Does a signature have to be in cursive?
Not necessarily; it can be in any form as long as it's consistent and recognizable.
Is a signatory always an individual?
No, a signatory can also be an organization or entity.
Is a signature required on all legal documents?
Most legal documents require a signature for validity, but there can be exceptions.
What's the difference between a signature and an autograph?
A signature is often used for official purposes, while an autograph is typically for fans or memorabilia.
Can a signature be a stamp?
In some cases, stamped signatures are accepted, but typically handwritten ones are preferred.
Can there be multiple signatories on a document?
Yes, multiple parties can be signatories on a document.
Can a signatory withdraw their signature?
It depends on the context and timing; once a document is in effect, it's usually binding.
How is a signature verified?
Through comparison with a known signature or via witness confirmation.
Are signatories always aware of what they are signing?
Ideally, yes. Signatories should always understand the content and implications of the document.
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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.
Edited 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.
