What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hierogram
Example
The ankh is a hierogram that represents eternal life in ancient Egyptian religion. [hierogram: noun]
Example
The hierogram for the god Horus was often depicted as a falcon. [hierogram: noun]
hieroglyph
Example
The Rosetta Stone helped scholars decipher the hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt. [hieroglyph: noun]
Example
The hieroglyph for 'sun' was often depicted as a circle with a dot in the center. [hieroglyph: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hieroglyph is a more commonly used term than hierogram, as it has a broader usage and can refer to a wider range of symbols and writing systems.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hierogram and hieroglyph?
Both hierogram and hieroglyph have formal connotations due to their association with ancient religious and mystical texts. However, hieroglyph is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including informal ones.
