What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
emblems
Example
The national emblem of the United States is the bald eagle. [emblem: noun]
Example
The company's emblem was embroidered on the uniform. [emblem: noun]
Example
The lion is often used as an emblem of courage and strength. [emblem: noun]
symbol
Example
The heart is a symbol of love and affection. [symbol: noun]
Example
The dove is a symbol of peace and harmony. [symbol: noun]
Example
The color red is often used as a symbol of passion and energy. [symbol: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Symbol is more commonly used than emblem in everyday language. Symbol is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while emblem is less common and refers to a specific type of visual representation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between emblems and symbol?
While emblem is typically associated with a formal and official tone, symbol is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.