What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
totem
Example
The eagle is the totem of our tribe. [totem: noun]
Example
The totem pole in the park tells the story of our ancestors. [totem pole: noun]
token
Example
I gave her a token of my appreciation for all her hard work. [token: noun]
Example
He tokened his way into the concert with a fake ticket. [tokened: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Token is more commonly used than totem in everyday language. Token is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while totem is less common and refers to a specific type of symbol or emblem.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between totem and token?
While totem is typically associated with a serious and reverential tone, token can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
