to-sign-a-contract
/tə saɪn ə ˈkɒn.trækt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To agree to the terms of a contract by writing your signature on it. It makes the agreement official and legally binding.
- Both companies signed a contract yesterday.
- Please sign the contract before Friday.
- She signed a contract to join the firm.
Adinary Nuance
Use sign a contract when you make a formal legal agreement. It is stronger and more official than agree, which can be spoken or informal. It is also different from accept, which can mean you take an offer without a legal document.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- ký hợp đồng
- Spanish
- firmar un contrato
- Chinese
- 签合同
- Japanese
- 契約に署名する
- Korean
- 계약서에 서명하다
Etymology
This phrase uses sign, from Latin signare, meaning 'to mark,' and contract, from Latin contractus, meaning 'drawn together, agreement.' The phrase became common in legal and business English.
Common phrases
sign a contractsign the contractcontract signingbefore you sign
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is sign a contract formal or informal?
- It is formal. People use it in business, law, and work.
- What is the difference between sign and agree?
- Agree means you accept an idea or plan. Sign a contract means you accept a legal document.
- Can I say sign an agreement too?
- Yes. It is very similar, but contract is usually more legal and specific.
- Do I need a witness when I sign a contract?
- Sometimes yes, depending on the contract and local law.