What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
idol
Example
My grandmother is my idol because of her strength and kindness. [idol: noun]
Example
The villagers built an idol of the goddess to worship. [idol: noun]
Example
Beyonce is a popular music idol for many young people. [idol: noun]
statue
Example
The statue of liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. [statue: noun]
Example
The museum has a collection of ancient Greek statues. [statues: noun]
Example
The city erected a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. to honor his legacy. [statue: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Statue is more commonly used than idol in everyday language. Statue is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while idol is less common and often associated with religious or cultural figures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between idol and statue?
Both idol and statue can be used in formal or informal contexts, but statue is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.