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
Recent Examples on the WebEven though the foreign security guarantee is in place precisely to preserve national self-determination in Europe, the dependence itself may be construed as a symptom of foreign dominance. William Nattrass, WSJ, 8 Sep. 2022 The transition, for Fogle and for the reader, is from seeing Fogle’s aimlessness as a generic product of adolescent apathy to understanding it as a symptom of a broader social and spiritual deficit. Jon Baskin, The New Yorker, 27 July 2022 Klarna caps late fees at 25% of the purchase amount, a far cry from the 400% interest rates payday lenders charge, but Chabrier sees this as a less severe symptom of a larger problem. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 23 June 2022 Another view of gun violence treats the problem as the symptom of a broader cultural issue that cannot be addressed through legislation, as put forward by Lankford, the Republican senator from Oklahoma. Max Zahn, ABC News, 27 May 2022 As a symptom of a possible stroke, it's recommended to seek emergency care if displaying these symptoms. Taylyn Washington-harmon, Men's Health, 30 Mar. 2022 The surrealist survival film had already caused a stir for the bankruptcy of the film’s visual effects studio Rhythm & Hues, and this was seen as a symptom of a large problem within the effects industry.cleveland, 26 Mar. 2022 The doctors call that fatigue, which is known as a classic and treacherous symptom of MS. Shannon Rae Green, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2022 Almost any heart or lung condition can have shortness of breath as a symptom. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 22 Feb. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Late Latin symptomat-, symptoma, from Greek symptōmat-, symptōma happening, attribute, symptom, from sympiptein to happen, from syn- + piptein to fall — more at feather