Symbol vs. Metaphor — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 22, 2023
A symbol is a mark, sign, or object that stands for or represents something else. A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes one thing as being another. Symbols are concrete representations, while metaphors are abstract comparisons.
Difference Between Symbol and Metaphor
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A symbol is an object, character, or concept that holds additional meanings beyond its literal definition. For example, a rose may symbolize love. Symbols serve as physical or textual representations, embodying an array of broader implications that stretch beyond their original context.
Metaphor, on the other hand, is a linguistic device used to compare two different entities without using "like" or "as." For instance, "Time is a thief" is a metaphor suggesting the stealthy, irretrievable passage of time. Unlike symbols, metaphors exist solely within language and involve direct comparisons.
In the world of symbols, context often dictates meaning. A flag can be a symbol of a nation, and a red rose can symbolize love or passion. The symbol itself doesn't change, but its meaning might differ depending on the situation.
Conversely, metaphors often stand alone, their meaning encapsulated within the phrase. When someone says, "The world is a stage," the metaphor doesn't rely on external context for its meaning; it provides its own framework for understanding.
Both symbols and metaphors enrich language and thought. Symbols offer a nuanced layer of meaning to objects or concepts, and metaphors add depth to descriptions and arguments. However, symbols are more versatile, appearing in various forms and media, while metaphors are bound to language.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Concrete representation
Abstract comparison
Medium
Can exist in any medium
Exists solely in language
Context
Meaning may change based on context
Often self-contained
Language Device
Not necessarily a language device
A specific figure of speech
Literal Aspect
Has a literal meaning
No literal meaning; it is a comparison
Compare with Definitions
Symbol
A sign representing something else.
The dove is a symbol of peace.
Metaphor
A figure of speech comparing two different things.
Her voice is music to my ears.
Symbol
Something that stands for a broader concept.
The ladder in the dream was a symbol.
Metaphor
A symbolic or emblematic usage of terms.
The ladder of success is a common metaphor.
Symbol
An emblem or logo.
The corporate symbol is well-recognized.
Metaphor
A representational expression.
The melting clock is a metaphor for time.
Symbol
A character that represents a mathematical operation.
The plus symbol indicates addition.
Metaphor
A poetic device.
The world is a stage in Shakespearean metaphor.
Symbol
A figure in a system of notation.
In music, a clef is a symbol.
Metaphor
An implied analogy.
The sun is a golden ball.
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.
Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that, for rhetorical effect, directly refers to one thing by mentioning another. It may provide (or obscure) clarity or identify hidden similarities between two different ideas.
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
Metaphor
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable
Her poetry depends on suggestion and metaphor
When we speak of gene maps and gene mapping, we use a cartographic metaphor
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
Metaphor
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another, thus making an implicit comparison, as in "a sea of troubles" or "All the world's a stage" (Shakespeare).
Symbol
Symbolize.
Metaphor
One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol
"Hollywood has always been an irresistible, prefabricated metaphor for the crass, the materialistic, the shallow, and the craven" (Neal Gabler).
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.
Metaphor
The use of a word or phrase to refer to something other than its literal meaning, invoking an implicit similarity between the thing described and what is denoted by the word or phrase.
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.
Metaphor
A word or phrase used in such implied comparison.
Symbol
A printed or written sign used to represent an operation, element, quantity, quality, or relation, as in mathematics or music.
Metaphor
The use of an everyday object or concept to represent an underlying facet of the computer and thus aid users in performing tasks.
Desktop metaphor; wastebasket metaphor
Symbol
(Psychology) An object or image that an individual unconsciously uses to represent repressed thoughts, feelings, or impulses
A phallic symbol.
Metaphor
(intransitive) To use a metaphor.
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.
Metaphor
(transitive) To describe by means of a metaphor.
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.
Metaphor
The transference of the relation between one set of objects to another set for the purpose of brief explanation; a compressed simile; e. g., the ship plows the sea.
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.
Metaphor
A figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity
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.
Symbol
(crystallography) The numerical expression which defines a plane's position relative to the assumed axes.
Symbol
(obsolete) That which is thrown into a common fund; hence, an appointed or accustomed duty.
Symbol
(obsolete) Share; allotment.
Symbol
(programming) An internal identifier used by a debugger to relate parts of the compiled program to the corresponding names in the source code.
Symbol
(telecommunications) A signalling event on a communications channel; a signal that cannot be further divided into meaningful information.
Symbol
To symbolize.
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
Common Curiosities
What is a Metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes one thing as being another.
Do Metaphors involve comparisons?
Yes, metaphors compare two different things directly, without using "like" or "as."
Can a word be both a Symbol and a Metaphor?
Yes, for example, a "heart" can be a symbol of love and used metaphorically to signify courage.
Are Metaphors universal?
No, the effectiveness of a metaphor can be culture-specific.
Are all Metaphors symbolic?
Not necessarily, though they often employ symbolism for effect.
What is a Symbol?
A symbol is an object, character, or concept that represents something else.
Can Metaphors be visual?
Metaphors are linguistic but can inspire visual representation.
Are Symbols always physical objects?
No, symbols can also be textual or conceptual.
Are Symbols culture-specific?
Often yes, symbols can hold different meanings in different cultures.
Do Symbols have to be visual?
No, they can also be auditory, like a national anthem.
What makes a good Metaphor?
Originality, clarity, and the ability to make complex ideas more understandable.
What makes a good Symbol?
Clarity, simplicity, and the ability to convey complex meanings.
Do Metaphors exist in daily language?
Yes, they're commonly used in both everyday speech and literature.
Can Symbols exist in nature?
Yes, like a rainbow symbolizing hope.
Can one change the meaning of a Symbol or Metaphor?
Context can change the meaning, but individual interpretation also plays a role.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
