Symbol vs. Emblem — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 20, 2023
Symbol is a representation; Emblem is a distinctive badge or design. Both Symbol and Emblem serve to convey meaning, the former is more fluid and abstract, and the latter is more defined and specific.
Difference Between Symbol and Emblem
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A Symbol is a mark, sign, or word that represents an idea, object, or relationship, while an Emblem is a design or representation that stands as an identifying badge or a symbol, often of a nation, organization, or family.
Symbols can be abstract and universal, like the peace sign or a heart representing love. Emblems, on the other hand, usually have specific associations, such as the eagle in the emblem of the United States.
Symbols are often used in various contexts to convey particular meanings, while Emblems are generally used to signify membership, authority, or association with a particular group or entity.
The power of a Symbol often comes from its broad interpretation and deep-rooted cultural or universal significance. An Emblem, however, derives its meaning more from its association with a particular entity or tradition.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Abstract representation
Distinctive badge or design
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Use
Represents ideas or concepts
Signifies association or membership
Interpretation
Broad and varied
Defined by its associated entity
Origin
Can be cultural or universal
Often tied to traditions or organizations
Connection
Often emotionally or culturally connected
Directly linked to a particular group or entity
Compare with Definitions
Symbol
A Symbol is a mark or character representing an object, concept, or idea.
The dove is a Symbol of peace.
Emblem
An Emblem is a symbolic object used to represent a specific group, organization, or idea.
The olive branches surrounding an eagle is an Emblem of the U.S. Great Seal.
Symbol
A Symbol is an abstract representation of a particular meaning or concept.
The red rose is a Symbol of love.
Emblem
An Emblem is a sign that stands for a group's identity, often used as a membership mark.
The cloverleaf is an Emblem of the Girl Scouts.
Symbol
A thing considered the embodiment of a concept or object.
The lion is the symbol of courage; the lamb is the symbol of meekness or patience.
Emblem
An Emblem serves as a representation of a particular quality or concept.
The heart-shaped lock was an Emblem of her commitment.
Symbol
A symbol is a mark, sign, or word that indicates, signifies, or is understood as representing an idea, object, or relationship. Symbols allow people to go beyond what is known or seen by creating linkages between otherwise very different concepts and experiences.
Emblem
An Emblem is a distinctive badge or shield.
The family's coat of arms was their treasured Emblem.
Symbol
A mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process, e.g. the letter or letters standing for a chemical element or a character in musical notation
The chemical symbol for helium is He
The symbol r in Figure 5 represents a gene which is ineffective
Emblem
Inlay; inlaid or mosaic work; something ornamental inserted in a surface.
Symbol
A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract
The limousine was another symbol of his wealth and authority
Emblem
Inlay; inlaid or mosaic work; something ornamental inserted in a surface.
Symbol
Symbolize.
Emblem
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.
Symbol
Something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention, especially a material object used to represent something invisible
The lamb is a symbol of innocence.
Emblem
A distinctive badge, design, or device
Trucks marked with the company emblem.
The emblem of the air force.
Symbol
An instance that typifies a broader pattern or situation
His striking out to end the rally was a symbol of everything that had gone wrong with the team over the past month.
Emblem
An object or representation that functions as a symbol
"a bed of sweet-scented lilies, the emblem of France" (Amy Steedman).
Symbol
A printed or written sign used to represent an operation, element, quantity, quality, or relation, as in mathematics or music.
Emblem
An allegorical picture usually inscribed with a verse or motto presenting a moral lesson.
Symbol
(Psychology) An object or image that an individual unconsciously uses to represent repressed thoughts, feelings, or impulses
A phallic symbol.
Emblem
A representative symbol, such as a trademark or logo.
Symbol
A character or glyph representing an idea, concept or object.
$ is the symbol for dollars in the US and some other countries.
Chinese people use word symbols for writing.
Emblem
Something that represents a larger whole.
The rampant poverty in the ethnic slums was just an emblem of the group's disenfranchisement by the society as a whole.
Symbol
(linguistics) A type of noun whereby the form refers to the same entity independently of the context; a symbol arbitrarily denotes a referent. See also icon and index.
Emblem
A picture accompanied with a motto, a set of verses, etc. intended as a moral lesson or meditation.
Symbol
A summary of a dogmatic statement of faith.
The Apostles, Nicene Creed and the confessional books of Protestantism, such as the Augsburg Confession of Lutheranism are considered symbols.
Emblem
To symbolize.
Symbol
(crystallography) The numerical expression which defines a plane's position relative to the assumed axes.
Emblem
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.
Symbol
(obsolete) That which is thrown into a common fund; hence, an appointed or accustomed duty.
Emblem
A picture accompanied with a motto, a set of verse, or the like, intended as a moral lesson or meditation.
Symbol
(obsolete) Share; allotment.
Emblem
To represent by an emblem; to symbolize.
Emblemed by the cozening fig tree.
Symbol
(programming) An internal identifier used by a debugger to relate parts of the compiled program to the corresponding names in the source code.
Emblem
Special design or visual object representing a quality, type, group, etc.
Symbol
(telecommunications) A signalling event on a communications channel; a signal that cannot be further divided into meaningful information.
Emblem
A visible symbol representing an abstract idea
Symbol
To symbolize.
Emblem
An Emblem is a design or symbolic representation with specific connotations or associations.
The Olympic rings are an Emblem of unity and sportsmanship.
Symbol
A visible sign or representation of an idea; anything which suggests an idea or quality, or another thing, as by resemblance or by convention; an emblem; a representation; a type; a figure; as, the lion is the symbol of courage; the lamb is the symbol of meekness or patience.
A symbol is a sign included in the idea which it represents, e. g., an actual part chosen to represent the whole, or a lower form or species used as the representative of a higher in the same kind.
Symbol
Any character used to represent a quantity, an operation, a relation, or an abbreviation.
Symbol
An abstract or compendium of faith or doctrine; a creed, or a summary of the articles of religion.
Symbol
That which is thrown into a common fund; hence, an appointed or accustomed duty.
They do their work in the days of peace . . . and come to pay their symbol in a war or in a plague.
Symbol
Share; allotment.
The persons who are to be judged . . . shall all appear to receive their symbol.
Symbol
An abbreviation standing for the name of an element and consisting of the initial letter of the Latin or New Latin name, or sometimes of the initial letter with a following one; as, C for carbon, Na for sodium (Natrium), Fe for iron (Ferrum), Sn for tin (Stannum), Sb for antimony (Stibium), etc. See the list of names and symbols under Element.
Symbol
To symbolize.
Symbol
An arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance
Symbol
Something visible that by association or convention represents something else that is invisible;
The eagle is a symbol of the United States
Symbol
A Symbol can be a sign used to represent something in particular.
The + Symbol indicates addition in mathematics.
Symbol
A Symbol is something that stands for or suggests something else by reason of relationship, association, or convention.
The skull and crossbones is a Symbol for poison.
Symbol
A Symbol can be a printed or written character used to represent an operation, element, quantity, or relation.
The @ Symbol is used in email addresses.
Common Curiosities
What's the primary distinction between a Symbol and an Emblem?
A Symbol represents an idea or concept, while an Emblem is a distinctive badge or design associated with a specific group or entity.
Are Symbols always visual?
No, Symbols can be sounds, gestures, or even words, whereas Emblems are predominantly visual.
Is an Emblem exclusive to a certain entity?
Typically, yes. Emblems often signify membership, authority, or association with a particular group or entity.
Can a Symbol be universally understood?
Yes, some Symbols, like the peace sign, are universally recognized, but interpretations can vary based on cultural contexts.
What's an example of a Symbol in religion?
The cross is a Symbol of Christianity.
How are Symbols typically used in literature?
In literature, Symbols are used to represent deeper meanings or abstract ideas, adding depth to the narrative.
Do Symbols have fixed meanings?
While some Symbols have widely accepted meanings, interpretations can vary based on individual or cultural perspectives.
Can a country have an Emblem?
Yes, many countries have national Emblems that are symbolic representations of their identity.
Are Emblems used in sports?
Yes, many sports teams have Emblems that represent the team and its ethos.
Why are Symbols significant in cultures?
Symbols convey deep-rooted cultural meanings, values, and beliefs, playing a crucial role in shaping identities and traditions.
Can one thing be both a Symbol and an Emblem?
Yes, something can function as a Symbol in one context and an Emblem in another, depending on its usage and interpretation.
Are Symbols and Emblems interchangeable?
While they both convey meanings, Symbols are more abstract and Emblems are more specific, so they're not always interchangeable.
How are Emblems used in the military?
Emblems in the military often denote rank, unit, or specific branches and are worn as badges or patches.
How are Emblems used in branding?
Companies often use Emblems as logos to create a recognizable and memorable brand identity.
Can an Emblem change over time?
Yes, Emblems can evolve or be redesigned, reflecting changes in the group or entity they represent.
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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.
