Emblem vs. Insignia — What's the Difference?

An emblem is an abstract or representational pictorial image that represents a concept, like a moral truth, or an allegory, or a person, like a king or saint.

An insignia (from Latin insignia, plural of insigne 'emblem, symbol, ensign') is a sign or mark distinguishing a group, grade, rank, or function. It can be a symbol of personal power or that of an official group or governing body.

A distinctive badge, design, or device

A distinguishing badge or emblem of military rank, office, or membership of an organization

An object or representation that functions as a symbol

A badge of office, rank, membership, or nationality; an emblem.

An allegorical picture usually inscribed with a verse or motto presenting a moral lesson.

A distinguishing sign.

A representative symbol, such as a trademark or logo.

A patch or other object that indicates a person's official or military rank, or membership in a group or organization.

Something that represents a larger whole.

A symbol or token of personal power, status, or office, or of an official body of government or jurisdiction.

Inlay; inlaid or mosaic work; something ornamental inserted in a surface.

(figurative) A mark or token by which anything is known.

A picture accompanied with a motto, a set of verses, etc. intended as a moral lesson or meditation.

Inflection of insignium

To symbolize.

Inflection of insigne

Inlay; inlaid or mosaic work; something ornamental inserted in a surface.

Distinguishing marks of authority, office, or honor; badges; tokens; decorations; as, the insignia of royalty or of an order.

A visible sign of an idea; an object, or the figure of an object, symbolizing and suggesting another object, or an idea, by natural aptness or by association; a figurative representation; a typical designation; a symbol; as, a balance is an emblem of justice; a scepter, the emblem of sovereignty or power; a circle, the emblem of eternity.

Typical and characteristic marks or signs, by which anything is known or distinguished; as, the insignia of a trade.

A picture accompanied with a motto, a set of verse, or the like, intended as a moral lesson or meditation.

A badge worn to show official position

To represent by an emblem; to symbolize.

Special design or visual object representing a quality, type, group, etc.

A visible symbol representing an abstract idea