What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
logogrammatic
Example
Chinese is a logogrammatic language, with each character representing a word or concept. [logogrammatic: adjective]
Example
The ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics, a logogrammatic writing system, to record their history and beliefs. [logogrammatic: adjective]
ideographic
Example
Japanese is an ideographic language, with each character representing a concept or idea. [ideographic: adjective]
Example
The Mayan civilization used a complex ideographic writing system to record their history and culture. [ideographic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Logogrammatic is a less common term than ideographic, as logograms are more commonly referred to as characters or symbols in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between logogrammatic and ideographic?
Both logogrammatic and ideographic are technical terms used primarily in linguistic or academic contexts, and are therefore considered formal language.