sign, mark, token, note, symptom mean a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible.
sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.
encouraging signs for the economy
mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance.
a mark of a good upbringing
token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible.
this gift is a token of our esteem
note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.
a note of irony in her writing
symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.
rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay
Example Sentences
Verb You may have noted my late arrival. The thing to note here is that people are suffering. It's interesting to note how quickly things have changed. Their objections were duly noted. As one official noted, the situation has begun to get out of control. As noted above most people survive the disease. “They've asked us to leave,” he noted with amusement. Noun She wrote a note to remind herself about the appointment. I left you a note on the kitchen table. making notes in the margins of a book She jotted down a few notes during the interview. After class, I usually study my notes and read the next chapter. I can't come to class today. Would you mind taking notes for me? His secretary took notes during our meeting. Please include a brief note about where the picture was taken. He writes in the program notes that the play was inspired by his own childhood. One final note: tickets will be available at the door the night of the concert. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The result is a sophisticated (but not totally foolproof, as the tool’s creators note) county-by-county prediction of when the leaves will go through various stages of the color-changing process. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Sep. 2022 Items are stamped in red to note that the president had seen it, Maloney said. Sarah D. Wire, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2022 Police encouraged anyone who receives a similar call to note the phone number where the call or text originated and report it to police. Nick Stoico, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2022 Testers also had to note if there was any leakage when the hose was connected to a water spigot. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2022 Napier is quick to note his team has much work ahead after the narrow win sealed by an end-zone interception during the final minute. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2022 Greenhouse mentions Walsh in passing only to note, with approval, that Walsh is a former union leader. Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 5 Sep. 2022 So when Hardaway saw Riley pointedly note in June how Lowry had to report in better shape for his second Heat season, there was a sense not only of been-there, done-that, but also of empathy. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Sep. 2022 Naftaly is quick to note that Southern Avenue is not a blues band, although the music is part of its stylistic palette. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Sep. 2022
Noun
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent King Charles III a note of congratulations on his accession to the throne. Matthew Mulligan, NBC News, 10 Sep. 2022 That's when the Bank of England was granted permission to use her likeness on paper money, starting with the 1-pound note, though the formal and regal image was criticized for being too severe and unrealistic. Kelvin Chan, ajc, 10 Sep. 2022 Amid the hosannas that have been delivered, in tribute to the Queen, a particular note has been struck. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2022 That's when the Bank of England was granted permission to use her likeness on paper money, starting with the 1-pound note, though the formal and regal image was criticized for being too severe and unrealistic. Kelvin Chan, Chron, 10 Sep. 2022 Want to send Nicole a note, shoot her an email at NFallert@usatoday.com or follow along with her musings on Twitter. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 9 Sep. 2022 To personalize, simply submit a handwritten note or signature. Annie O’sullivan, Good Housekeeping, 9 Sep. 2022 In Australia, Elizabeth appears on the $5 bank note as well as a host of coins. Max Zahn, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2022 The segment concluded on a lighter note, Kris admitting that Kendall still doesn't know how to cut a cucumber after struggling with the kitchen task in a viral moment on last season of The Kardashians. Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English, from Anglo-French noter, from Latin notare to mark, note, from nota
Noun
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin nota mark, character, written note