signatory
- 01 C1 Advanced
n.a person, company, or country that has signed an official document or agreement.
n.a person or entity that is a party to a formal agreement, treaty, or contract by virtue of having signed it.
Simple“Both countries were signatories to the peace treaty signed last year.”
In context“As a primary signatory to the international climate accord, the nation committed to reducing its carbon emissions by forty percent over the next decade.”
UsageUsually followed by the preposition 'to'.
Teacher's tipThis word is almost exclusively used in legal, political, or highly formal business contexts; for everyday situations, 'the person who signed' is preferred.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
adj.describing a person or group that has signed an agreement.
adj.having signed or joined in a signature; often used to describe the status of a nation or body in relation to a treaty.
Simple“The signatory powers met in Geneva to discuss the new trade rules.”
In context“The signatory nations were required to ratify the agreement within their own domestic legislatures before the end of the fiscal year.”
UsageTypically used before a noun like 'nations', 'powers', or 'parties'.
Teacher's tipIn modern English, the noun form is much more common than the adjective form.
SynonymsAntonymsnon signatory
From Latin signatorius.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.