Or adultesence might be just the opposite: not evidence of progress but another sign of a generalized regression.

NEWYORKER: Spoiled Rotten

Although some analysts may be tempted to interpret the collapse of the BAE-EADS merger as a sign of weakness, the exact opposite is true.

FORBES: BAE Systems Pulls The Plug On One Opportunity, But With Plenty Of Others To Pursue

On the opposite end of the spectrum, this is a sign that women are increasingly exercising their right to choose the circumstances under which they have children.

FORBES: Childlessness Is Up, But Not Among Highly Educated Women

And once again, its opposite (taking up less space) can be a sign of respect.

FORBES: How to Detect Respect - or Disrespect: Body Language Quick Takes #7

" In the stands opposite the Toronto bench, three female fans held up a sign that read, "Send Boston Love.

NPR: Celtics Back On Court, Offer Tribute To Victims

When his bosses demanded he sign an agreement not to compete, he did the opposite.

FORBES: Database evangelist

The participants who read the former sign opted mostly for the larger pieces, and the opposite was true for the other set of subjects.

FORBES: Consumers Opt For Larger Food Portions To Increase Social Status

The opposite of a buying climax is a selling climax, which is a bullish sign that a stock has bottomed.

FORBES