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Meaning & use

electronic signature

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌelekˌtrɒnɪk ˈsɪɡnətʃə/
US/ɪˌlekˌtrɑːnɪk ˈsɪɡnətʃər/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A digital mark, such as a typed name, drawn mark or code, added to a document to show a person agrees to it.

    Grammar: Takes a: she added an electronic signature.

    Patterns

    • sign something with an electronic signature
    • an electronic signature on something

    You can approve the contract with an electronic signature.

    Landlords now accept an electronic signature on rental forms.

    I added my electronic signature to the form in seconds.

  2. nouncountabletechnicalcomputing

    A secure code attached to data that proves who sent it and that it has not been changed.

    Grammar: Technical sense; often linked to certificates and encryption.

    Patterns

    • verify an electronic signature
    • an electronic signature on something

    The software checks the electronic signature to confirm the file is genuine.

    Each update carries an electronic signature from the developer.

    A broken electronic signature means the message was altered.

Word forms

pluralelectronic signatures

Common combinations

add an electronic signature
Please add an electronic signature at the bottom of the page.
legally binding electronic signature
A legally binding electronic signature can replace ink in many cases.
accept electronic signatures
Most banks now accept electronic signatures.
secure electronic signature
A secure electronic signature protects against fraud.
verify an electronic signature
The system will verify your electronic signature automatically.

Synonyms and how they differ

e-signature
E-signature is the short, everyday form and means the same thing.
digital signature
Digital signature usually means the stricter, cryptographic kind, while electronic signature is the wider term.
handwritten signature
A handwritten signature is made with a pen on paper, so it is the physical alternative.

Opposites

handwritten signaturewet signature

Word family

signature noun
a person's name written in their own style
sign verb
to write one's name on a document
electronic adjective
using electricity or digital technology
signatory noun
a person who signs an agreement

Commonly confused: electronic signature or digital signature?

electronic signature vs digital signature

A digital signature is a specific secure kind of electronic signature, so all digital signatures are electronic signatures but not the other way around.

Practice

The landlord let us sign the lease online with a typed name, which counts as an ___.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “electronic signature”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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