How Do You Spell AT SIGN?

Pronunciation: [at sˈa͡ɪn] (IPA)

The word "at sign" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /æt saɪn/. The first sound is from the vowel sound "æ," which is pronounced with the tongue low and the mouth slightly open. The second sound is from the consonant sound "t," which is pronounced with a quick release of air through the mouth. The third sound is from the diphthong "saɪ," which is pronounced with the lips rounded and the jaw moving from a slightly open position to a semi-closed position. Finally, the last sound is from the consonant sound "n," pronounced with the tongue touching the front of the mouth.

AT SIGN Meaning and Definition

1. The "at sign," symbolized by the symbol "@" or "at," is a graphical representation commonly used in electronic communications, particularly in email addresses and social media handles. Initially known as the "commercial at" and first appearing on typewriters in the 19th century, the at sign has evolved to become an essential part of modern digital communication.

   The at sign is primarily used to separate a user's name from the domain name in an email address. For instance, in the address "[e-mail]," "john.doe" represents the username of the email account, while "example.com" refers to the domain where the mail is hosted. This separation allows email clients to process and send messages accurately.

   Moreover, with the rise of the internet and social media platforms, the at sign has taken on an additional connotation. It is often used as a symbol to tag or mention users within a post or message, indicating that the content is directed toward or relevant to a specific person or account. For example, in a tweet mentioning a user, "@JaneDoe, great job on your new article!" The at sign here signals that the message is intended for Jane Doe's attention.

   Overall, the at sign has become a significant symbol in modern digital communication, enabling the correct routing of email messages and facilitating personalized interactions on various online platforms.

Common Misspellings for AT SIGN

• ad sign
• zt sign
• st sign
• wt sign
• qt sign
• ar sign
• af sign
• ag sign
• ay sign
• a6 sign
• a5 sign
• at aign
• at zign
• at xign
• at dign
• at eign
• at wign
• at sugn
• at sjgn
• at skgn

Etymology of AT SIGN

The word "at sign" originated from the use of the "@" symbol in commerce. The exact etymology, however, is unclear. Here are a few theories:

1. One theory suggests that the term "at sign" comes from the commercial phrase "at the rate of". This theory suggests that when people spoke or transcribed "4 widgets at the rate of $2 each", they started abbreviating it as "4 widgets @ $2 each".

2. Another theory relates to its usage in accounting. In the 16th century, the "at" symbol (@) was sometimes used to abbreviate the Latin word "ad" meaning "at" or "to". This was commonly employed in accounting books, indicating the price per unit. Over time, this abbreviation evolved into the "at sign".

3. A third theory suggests that the term "at sign" comes from the Portuguese phrase "arroba".