symp‧tom /ˈsɪmptəm/
noun [countable][
Date: 1500-1600;
Language: Latin;
Origin: symptoma, from Greek, 'something that happens, symptom', from sympiptein 'to happen', from syn- ( ⇒ syn-) + piptein 'to fall']
1. something wrong with your body or mind which shows that you have a particular illness
symptom of
Common symptoms of diabetes are weight loss and fatigue.2. a sign that a serious problem exists
symptom of The disappearance of jobs is a symptom of a deeper socioeconomic change. [TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲
sign [countable] an event, fact etc that shows that something is happening or that something is true or exists:
The curtains were still drawn and there was no sign of activity. A score of 80 or more is a sign that you are doing very well.indication [countable] a sign.
Indication is more formal than
sign:
Recently there have been several indications of improving relations. There was no indication the killings were related to the drug trade.evidence [uncountable] facts or signs that show clearly that something exists or is true, especially something that you are trying to prove:
Scientists are hoping to find evidence that there was once life on Mars. There was not enough evidence to convict him of the murder.symptom [countable] a sign that someone has an illness or that a serious problem exists:
The first symptoms are tiredness and loss of weight. Is this a symptom of the decay of Western civilization?indicator [countable] a sign that shows you what is happening or what is true – used about a process, or about the state or level of something:
There are a number of indicators of economic slowdown. The tests are considered a good indicator of intelligence.signal [countable] a sign that shows that you should do something, or that you have a particular attitude:
Severe chest pain is a warning signal that cannot be ignored. Legalizing drugs could send the wrong signal to young people.mark [countable] a sign, especially that you respect or honour someone:
People stood in silence as a mark of respect. It was a mark of her popularity that so many colleagues and friends attended the presentation.write to use a pen or pencil to make words, letters etc:
Have you written a shopping list? The children are learning to read and write.write something down to write something on paper, in order to remember it or make a record:
He wrote down everything she said.put to write something in a particular place, or to write particular words:
I’ve put the dates of the meetings in my diary. At the end of the email she put ‘PS I love you’.put something in writing to write something that you have agreed or promised, so that there is an official record:
They said they would pay me 50%, but they haven’t actually put it in writing.make a note of something to write information that you might need later:
I’ll just make a note of your address. Make a note in your diary.take notes to write things while someone is speaking or while something is happening, so that you can use them later:
His lawyer was with him taking notes.scrawl /skrɔːl $ skrɒːl/ to write something carelessly and untidily, especially in big letters – often used to show disapproval:
Someone had scrawled graffiti on the school wall. He’d scrawled a few unhelpful comments at the bottom of my work.fill something in/out to write information on a form or other official document:
Please fill in the application form in black ink. Would you mind filling out a questionnaire?sign to write your name at the end of a letter, document etc:
Read the contract carefully, and then sign it. Don’t forget to sign your name. [TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲