countersignature

8.0

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

noun
/ˌkaʊntərˈsaɪnətʃər/

Formal

: contrafirma

All official documents require a countersignature to ensure they are properly authorized.

Examples

Only after 1836 can one consistently find in the Statutes at Large the actual presidential proclamation statements, along with a confirming countersignature from the Secretary of State appended to the documents.

Academic text (2002)
The contract is valid only with the countersignature of the manager.
Before the funds can be released, you need to obtain a countersignature from the treasurer.

Synonyms

endorsement

vscountersignature

Specialized

33 5.5

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

is specifically a later confirming signature rather than any validating signature

countersign

vscountersignature

Formal

1 6.9

A second signature on a document that confirms the first signature

is specifically a later confirming signature added after another person's signature

indorsement

vscountersignature

Archaic

7.6

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

is specifically a later confirming signature, not just a general written approval

How Official

seal

Formal

106 4.2

countersignature

Formal

8.0

signature

288 1.2

Surface Forms

countersignature singular

countersignatures plural

Morphology

countersignature = signature (transparent) = counter + signature

The meaning is directly built from 'signature' with the productive prefix 'counter-' indicating a supplementary or responding signature, so learners knowing 'signature' and 'counter-' can infer the sense.

Etymology

Countersignature comes from counter- ('a second or reply'), which you see in the word counteroffer, and signature ('written name'), so a countersignature is a second signature that 'confirms' the first.