What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Message vs Signal - What's the difference?

message | signal |

As nouns the difference between message and signal

is that message is a communication, or what is communicated; any concept or information conveyed while signal is a sign made to give notice of some occurrence, command, or danger, or to indicate the start of a concerted action.

As verbs the difference between message and signal

is that message is to send a message to; to transmit a message to, e.g. as text via a cell phone while signal is to indicate.

As an adjective signal is

standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement.

message

English

(message) (old-fashioned definitions)

Noun

(en noun)
  • A communication, or what is communicated; any concept or information conveyed.
  • * Bible, Judges iii. 20
  • I have a message from God unto thee.
  • *
  • , title=(The Celebrity), chapter=4 , passage=No matter how early I came down, I would find him on the veranda, smoking cigarettes, or otherwise his man would be there with a message to say that his master would shortly join me if I would kindly wait.}}
  • An underlying theme or conclusion to be drawn from something.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-29, volume=407, issue=8842, page=55, magazine=(The Economist)
  • , title= Travels and travails , passage=Even without hovering drones, a lurking assassin, a thumping score and a denouement, the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a rogue spy on the run, could be straight out of the cinema. But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message : America’s discomfort and its foes’ glee.}}

    Usage notes

    In Ireland, Scotland and Northern England, messages (plural) can mean "groceries, shopping".

    Derived terms

    * instant message * text message

    Abbreviations

    * msg

    Verb

  • To send a message to; to transmit a message to, as text via a cell phone.
  • Just message me for directions.
    I messaged her about the concert.
  • To send (something) as a message; usually refers to electronic messaging.
  • She messaged me the information yesterday.
    Please message the final report by fax.
  • To send a message or messages; to be capable of sending messages.
  • We've implemented a new messaging service.
    The runaway computer program was messaging non-stop.
  • (obsolete) To bear as a message.
  • Synonyms

    * (send a text message to)

    See also

    * instant message * instant messaging * messenger * mission ----

    signal

    English

    (wikipedia signal)

    Alternative forms

    * signall

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A sign made to give notice of some occurrence, command, or danger, or to indicate the start of a concerted action.
  • * Milton
  • All obeyed / The wonted signal and superior voice / Of this great potentate.
  • An on-off light, semaphore, or other device used to give an indication to another person.
  • (of a radio, TV, telephone, internet, etc) An electrical or electromagnetic action, normally a voltage that is a function of time that conveys the information of the radio or TV program or of communication with another party.
  • My mobile phone can't get a signal in the railway station.
  • A token; an indication; a foreshadowing; a sign.
  • * Shakespeare
  • The weary sun / Gives signal of a goodly day to-morrow.
  • * De Foe
  • There was not the least signal of the calamity to be seen.
  • Useful information, as opposed to noise.
  • (computing, Unix) A simple interprocess communication used to notify a process or thread of an occurrence.
  • Antonyms

    * (useful information) noise

    Derived terms

    * signal box * signalman * signalwoman * smoke signal

    See also

    * tocsin

    Verb

  • To indicate.
  • Adjective

    (-)
  • Standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement.
  • a signal''' exploit; a '''signal''' service; a '''signal act of benevolence
  • * Milton
  • As signal now in low, dejected state / As erst in highest, behold him where he lies.

    Anagrams

    * 1000 English basic words ----