What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sign
Example
The sign on the door said 'Closed for renovation'. [sign: noun]
Example
She signed to her friend across the room to come over. [signed: verb]
Example
The signpost pointed towards the nearest gas station. [sign: noun]
symbol
Example
The dove is a symbol of peace. [symbol: noun]
Example
The ampersand (&) is a symbol used to represent 'and'. [symbol: noun]
Example
The red rose is often seen as a symbol of love and passion. [symbol: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sign is more commonly used than symbol in everyday language, as it covers a wide range of contexts and situations. Symbol is more commonly used in artistic, cultural, or spiritual contexts, where it is often associated with deeper or hidden meanings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sign and symbol?
Both sign and symbol can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and context. However, sign is generally more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels than symbol, which is often associated with more artistic or spiritual contexts.
