Asterisk vs. Star — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 3, 2024
An asterisk (*) is a typographical symbol used for annotations or to denote special meanings, whereas a star is a celestial body or a shape representing stars.
Difference Between Asterisk and Star
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An asterisk is primarily used in written and digital text as a footnote indicator or to censor words. It helps readers find additional information or notice alterations in the text. On the other hand, a star refers to the massive, luminous spheres of plasma held together by gravity in space, illuminating the night sky and fascinating astronomers.
In typography and digital communication, the asterisk serves various functions such as emphasizing text, indicating missing letters, or in programming to perform specific operations. Meanwhile, the star symbol, often depicted with five points, is widely used in various contexts to represent excellence, rank, or to symbolize something as outstanding, such as in ratings or decorations.
The usage of asterisks is governed by specific rules in writing and programming languages, where its placement and function are clearly defined. Stars, conversely, inspire a range of symbolic meanings across cultures, including hope, guidance, and ambition, without a singular, fixed interpretation.
Asterisks are often found in academic texts, manuals, and online forums to guide readers towards explanatory notes or disclaimers. Stars, however, are celebrated in literature, art, and mythology, embodying human curiosity about the universe and often serving as metaphors for life's aspirations.
In digital user interfaces, asterisks commonly denote required fields in forms, signaling users to pay attention to specific inputs. The star, in digital and physical forms, signifies favorites, quality ratings, or highlights achievements, enriching the visual and interactive experience of users.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A typographical symbol used for annotations
A celestial body or symbol of excellence
Primary Use
Footnotes, censorship, emphasis in text
Representing celestial bodies, excellence, achievements
Contexts
Writing, digital communication, programming
Space, ratings, decorations, symbolism
Symbolic Meaning
Additional information, alteration
Hope, guidance, quality, achievement
Representation
Specific and rule-based in text
Broad and symbolic across cultures
Function in Digital
Indicate required fields, special functions
Favorites, ratings, highlighting excellence
Physical Appearance
Single point with no fixed size or orientation
Often depicted as a five-pointed shape
Cultural Significance
Less culturally significant
Deep cultural and mythological significance
Compare with Definitions
Asterisk
A symbol (*) used to indicate footnotes or annotations.
See the bottom of the page for more details.
Star
A massive, luminous sphere of plasma in space.
The sun is the closest star to Earth.
Asterisk
Employed in censorship or to omit letters.
Some words were replaced with **** for privacy.
Star
A symbol or shape representing celestial stars.
She drew a star on her notebook.
Asterisk
Used in programming for multiplication or pointers.
Int ptr indicates a pointer in C*.
Star
Symbolizes achievements or honors.
He was awarded a star for his service.
Asterisk
Marks special instructions or exceptions.
Items marked with * are on sale.
Star
Used to signify excellence or high quality.
A five-star hotel.
Asterisk
Signifies required fields in forms.
Enter your email address.
Star
Represents favorite items or settings in digital platforms.
I added the song to my starred playlist.
Asterisk
The asterisk *, from Late Latin asteriscus, from Ancient Greek ἀστερίσκος, asteriskos, "little star", is a typographical symbol. It is so called because it resembles a conventional image of a star.
Star
A star is an astronomical object consisting of a luminous spheroid of plasma held together by its own gravity. The nearest star to Earth is the Sun.
Asterisk
A star-shaped figure (*) used chiefly to indicate an omission, a reference to a footnote, or an unattested word, sound, or affix.
Star
A celestial body that generates light and other radiant energy and consists of a mass of gas held together by its own gravity in which the energy generated by nuclear reactions in the interior is balanced by the outflow of energy to the surface, and the inward-directed gravitational forces are balanced by the outward-directed gas and radiation pressures.
Asterisk
(Mathematics) A symbol used to indicate multiplication, as in 2 * 3 = 6.
Star
Any of the celestial bodies visible at night from Earth as relatively stationary, usually twinkling points of light.
Asterisk
To mark with an asterisk.
Star
Something regarded as resembling such a celestial body.
Asterisk
(dated) A small star; also (by extension), something resembling or shaped like a star.
Star
A graphic design having five or more radiating points, often used as a symbol of rank or merit.
Asterisk
The star-shaped symbol *, which is used in printing and writing for various purposes, including to refer a reader to a note at the bottom of a page or in a margin, and to indicate the omission of letters or words; a star.
Star
An artistic performer or athlete whose leading role or superior performance is acknowledged.
Asterisk
An instrument with radiating arms resembling a star which is placed over the diskos (or paten) used during the Eucharist to prevent the veil covering the chalice and diskos from touching the host on the diskos.
Star
One who is highly celebrated in a field or profession.
Asterisk
(transitive) To mark or replace (text, etc.) with an asterisk symbol (*; noun symbol); to star.
Star
An asterisk (*).
Asterisk
The figure of a star, thus, , used in printing and writing as a reference to a passage or note in the margin, to supply the omission of letters or words, or to mark a word or phrase as having a special character.
Star
The star key on a telephone
For customer service, press star.
Asterisk
A star-shaped character * used in printing
Star
A white spot on the forehead of a horse.
Asterisk
Mark with an asterisk;
Linguists star unacceptable sentences
Star
A planet or constellation of the zodiac believed in astrology to influence personal destiny.
Star
Stars The future; destiny. Often used with the.
Star
Outstanding or famous, especially in performing something
A star researcher.
A star figure skater.
Star
Of or relating to a star or stars.
Star
To ornament with stars.
Star
To award or mark with a star for excellence.
Star
To mark with an asterisk.
Star
To present or feature (a performer) in a leading role.
Star
To play the leading role in a theatrical or film production.
Star
To do an outstanding job; perform excellently.
Star
Any small luminous dot appearing in the cloudless portion of the night sky, especially with a fixed location relative to other such dots.
Star
(star) A luminous celestial body, made up of plasma (particularly hydrogen and helium) and having a spherical shape. Depending on context the sun may or may not be included.
Star
(geometry) A concave polygon with regular, pointy protrusions and indentations, usually with four, five, or six points.
Star
(acting) An actor in a leading role.
Many Hollywood stars attended the launch party.
Star
An exceptionally talented or famous person, often in a specific field; a celebrity.
His teacher tells us he is a star pupil.
Star
(printing) An asterisk (*) or symbol (★).
Star
A symbol used to rate hotels, films, etc. with a higher number of stars denoting better quality.
Star
A simple dance, or part of a dance, where a group of four dancers each put their right or left hand in the middle and turn around in a circle. You call them right-hand stars or left-hand stars, depending on the hand which is in the middle.
Star
(astrology) A planet supposed to influence one's destiny.
What's in the stars for you today? Find out in our horoscope.
Star
A star-shaped ornament worn on the breast to indicate rank or honour.
Star
A composition of combustible matter used in the heading of rockets, in mines, etc., which, exploding in the air, presents a starlike appearance.
Star
(intransitive) To appear as a featured performer or headliner, especially in an entertainment program.
She starred in dozens of silent movies.
Star
(transitive) To feature (a performer or a headliner), especially in a movie or an entertainment program.
The show stars Calista Flockhart as a high-powered lawyer.
Star
(transitive) To mark with a star or asterisk.
Star
(transitive) To set or adorn with stars, or bright, radiating bodies; to bespangle.
Star
(intransitive) To shine like a star.
Star
One of the innumerable luminous bodies seen in the heavens; any heavenly body other than the sun, moon, comets, and nebulæ.
His eyen twinkled in his head aright,As do the stars in the frosty night.
Star
The polestar; the north star.
Star
A planet supposed to influence one's destiny; (usually pl.) a configuration of the planets, supposed to influence fortune.
O malignant and ill-brooding stars.
Blesses his stars, and thinks it luxury.
Star
That which resembles the figure of a star, as an ornament worn on the breast to indicate rank or honor.
On whom . . . Lavish Honor showered all her stars.
Star
Specifically, a radiated mark in writing or printing; an asterisk [thus, *]; - used as a reference to a note, or to fill a blank where something is omitted, etc.
Star
A composition of combustible matter used in the heading of rockets, in mines, etc., which, exploding in the air, presents a starlike appearance.
Star
A person of brilliant and attractive qualities, especially on public occasions, as a distinguished orator, a leading theatrical performer, etc.
Star
To set or adorn with stars, or bright, radiating bodies; to bespangle; as, a robe starred with gems.
Star
To be bright, or attract attention, as a star; to shine like a star; to be brilliant or prominent; to play a part as a theatrical star.
Star
(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
Star
Someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
Star
Any celestial body visible (as a point of light) from the Earth at night
Star
A plane figure with 5 or more points; often used as an emblem
Star
An actor who plays a principal role
Star
A performer who receives prominent billing
Star
A star-shaped character * used in printing
Star
The topology of a network whose components are connected to a hub
Star
Feature as the star;
The movie stars Dustin Hoffman as an autistic man
Star
Be the star in a performance
Star
Mark with an asterisk;
Linguists star unacceptable sentences
Star
Indicating the most important performer or role;
The leading man
Prima ballerina
Prima donna
A star figure skater
The starring role
A stellar role
A stellar performance
Common Curiosities
Can the star symbol have different meanings?
Yes, it represents excellence, hope, or celestial bodies, varying by context.
How is an asterisk used in programming?
For multiplication, dereferencing pointers, or matching patterns.
Are asterisks only used in written text?
Primarily, but they also have specific uses in digital communication and programming.
Can stars be part of a rating system?
Yes, stars are often used to rate quality, like in hotels or online reviews.
Do stars have scientific and symbolic meanings?
Yes, scientifically they are celestial bodies, and symbolically they represent various human aspirations and ideals.
Why are asterisks used in sensitive documents?
To censor personal information or sensitive data for privacy.
What is the main purpose of an asterisk?
To indicate footnotes, annotations, or special meanings in text.
How does the use of stars enhance digital experiences?
Stars denote favorites or quality, improving user interaction and satisfaction.
How do asterisks help in academic writing?
They guide readers to additional information or explanatory notes.
What does a five-pointed star represent?
It's a common representation of stars in the sky, symbolizing excellence or significance.
What does it mean when a form field is marked with an asterisk?
It indicates the field is required and must be filled out.
How do cultures interpret stars differently?
Stars can symbolize guidance, divinity, or fate, varying across cultural beliefs.
Is there a specific way to draw a star?
The most common depiction is a five-pointed shape, but there are many variations.
Can the asterisk and star symbols be interchangeable?
No, their functions and meanings differ significantly across contexts.
What role do stars play in navigation?
Historically, stars have been used for navigation, guiding sailors and travelers.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
