How Do You Spell COUNTERSIGN?

Pronunciation: [kˈa͡ʊntəsˌa͡ɪn] (IPA)

The word "countersign" is spelled with two syllables: /ˈkaʊntərsaɪn/. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /aʊ/, as in "cow". The second syllable begins with the consonant cluster /nt/ and is pronounced with the diphthong /aɪ/, as in "eye". The word means to sign a document as a form of authentication or to sign a document as a witness to a previous signature. Ensuring the correct spelling of this word is important for maintaining clear and precise communication in written documents.

COUNTERSIGN Meaning and Definition

  1. Countersign is a verb that represents the act of signing a document or a written agreement as an acknowledgment or confirmation. It is commonly used in official or formal procedures where a second signature is required to authenticate or confirm the validity of the first signature. The countersignature serves as evidence that another authorized individual has reviewed the document and approves of its contents.

    In essence, countersigning involves the addition of a second signature to a previously signed document, often done by a higher-ranking or responsible individual, such as a manager, supervisor, or official. This act signifies their endorsement or authorization of the document. The purpose of a countersignature is to add an additional level of security, ensuring that the document has been reviewed and approved by two separate parties.

    Countersigning is commonly required in various legal, financial, and administrative procedures. For instance, some important legal documents, contracts, or agreements may not be considered valid unless duly countersigned. It demonstrates that the document has been examined, authorized, and accepted by the requisite authorities.

    Overall, countersigning is a procedural measure intended to reinforce the authenticity and validity of a signed document by adding a second signature as confirmation or endorsement. It adds an extra layer of verification and ensures that the document has undergone an authorized review.

  2. • A private signal or word given to soldiers on guard; a watchword.
    • To sign a document in addition to another to attest its authenticity.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for COUNTERSIGN

Etymology of COUNTERSIGN

The word "countersign" has a Latin origin. It is derived from the combination of two Latin words, "contra" meaning "against", and "signum" meaning "sign" or "mark". The word was initially used in military contexts, referring to a secondary or additional sign that was used to authenticate the identity of someone who already possessed a primary sign or password. Over time, "countersign" expanded its usage beyond the military and evolved to refer to any second or further sign used as a security measure, such as a password or additional authentication method.

Similar spelling words for COUNTERSIGN

Plural form of COUNTERSIGN is COUNTERSIGNS

Conjugate verb Countersign

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have countersigned
you would have countersigned
he/she/it would have countersigned
we would have countersigned
they would have countersigned
I would have countersign
you would have countersign
he/she/it would have countersign
we would have countersign
they would have countersign

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been countersigning
you would have been countersigning
he/she/it would have been countersigning
we would have been countersigning
they would have been countersigning

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would countersign
you would countersign
he/she/it would countersign
we would countersign
they would countersign

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be countersigning
you would be countersigning
he/she/it would be countersigning
we would be countersigning
they would be countersigning

FUTURE

I will countersign
you will countersign
he/she/it will countersign
we will countersign
they will countersign

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be countersigning
you will be countersigning
he/she/it will be countersigning
we will be countersigning
they will be countersigning

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have countersigned
you will have countersigned
he/she/it will have countersigned
we will have countersigned
they will have countersigned

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been countersigning
you will have been countersigning
he/she/it will have been countersigning
we will have been countersigning
they will have been countersigning

IMPERATIVE

you countersign
we let´s countersign

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to countersign

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was countersigning
you were countersigning
he/she/it was countersigning
we were countersigning
they were countersigning

PAST PARTICIPLE

countersigned

PAST PERFECT

I had countersigned
you had countersigned
he/she/it had countersigned
we had countersigned
they had countersigned

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been countersigning
you had been countersigning
he/she/it had been countersigning
we had been countersigning
they had been countersigning

PRESENT

I countersign
you countersign
he/she/it countersigns
we countersign
they countersign

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am countersigning
you are countersigning
he/she/it is countersigning
we are countersigning
they are countersigning

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

countersigning

PRESENT PERFECT

I have countersigned
you have countersigned
he/she/it has countersigned
we have countersigned
they have countersigned

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been countersigning
you have been countersigning
he/she/it has been countersigning
we have been countersigning
they have been countersigning

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it countersign

SIMPLE PAST

I countersigned
you countersigned
he/she/it countersigned
we countersigned
they countersigned

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