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Glite Dictionary
✍️ To confirm by signing ✍️ A second signature 🔑 A password
countersign

countersign

1 6.9
A second signature on a document that confirms the first signature
  • noun
  • /ˈkaʊntərˌsaɪn/
  • Formal
translation icon : contrafirma

Examples

  • The countersign, if you please...

    Moonfleet (1955)

  • Well, send the countersign.

    Wing Commander (1999)

  • Countersign is shama-lama-ding-dong.

    The Goocher (2020)

  • Before the contract was processed, the manager added her countersign to confirm her agreement.

  • Each partner must provide their countersign to validate the final decision made in the meeting.

  • To ensure the document is legitimate, please include your countersign next to the original signature.

Synonyms

endorsement
vscountersign
  • Specialized
33 5.5

A signature on a document like a check that lets someone deposit or cash it

is the second confirmation added after the first signature rather than initial validation
countersignature
vscountersign
  • Formal
8.0

A person who writes their name to show they agree with a signed document

is a second signature added to confirm a prior signature
indorsement
vscountersign
  • Archaic
7.6

A written signature or note showing approval on a document like a check

is specifically the second signature confirming an earlier signature

How Official

seal
  • Formal
106 4.2
countersign
  • Formal
1 6.9
signature
288 1.2

Surface Forms

countersign singular
countersigns plural

Morphology

countersign = sign (transparent) = counter + sign

The noun is formed by the same productive prefixation: 'counter-' + 'sign' yields a second/confirming signature.

Etymology

Countersign is literally a 'second signature': counter- ('second') and sign ('signature'), so a countersign is the extra signature that approves or confirms a document.