I'm pretty sure you've come across these two words before, haven't you? Well, today, I've decided to tell you a story about them. Care to join me?

"Sign" vs. "Symbol" in English

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both refer to interpreting something that has been said indirectly. However, a 'sign' is mainly an object, a thing, etc. that contains one meaning that is usually obligatory for the people of a community to abide by, whereas, a 'symbol' is usually cultural. A 'symbol' can have several various interpretations.

Differences

A 'sign' is an object containing a particular picture with meaning. It indirectly tells a community what to do and what not to do. It is mainly objective. Look at the examples below:

The sign read: 'STOP.'

I don't see any signs on the side of the road.

A 'symbol', however, refers to things, words, etc. that represent another concept other than their literal ones. It is very much influenced culturally. It is specific to a certain group of people. Check out the following examples:

In some cultures, white is especially the symbol of death.

A literature student usually searches for symbolic meaning in texts.

Similarities

We can say that in both, one must find the implicit meaning. Look at the examples below:

Can you tell me what this sign means?

What do you think the repetition of the word spider is a symbol of something in this poem?

Are They Interchangeable?

These two words can never be used interchangeably because a 'sign' is a physical object portraying a particular, usually obligatory rule, whereas, a word, a fruit, an animal, or anything can be a 'symbol' of a concept. Compare:

✓ I stopped the car when I saw the sign in the middle of the road.

X I stopped the car when I saw the symbol in the middle of the road.

Comments

(0)
Loading Recaptcha...
Share on :

Recommended

Sketch vs. Drawing

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
This time, we've decided to focus on the differences and similarities between these two words. Do you wanna learn more? Well, why don't you join me?

Seat vs. Sit

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
This time, we're gonna delve into a more grammatically-confusing pair of words. Are you ready? Wanna expand your knowledge? Well, join me.

Separation vs. Breakup

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
Well, this time, we're gonna talk about all the differences and similarities between these two words. Are you ready? Still wanna expand your knowledge?

Skimming vs. Scanning

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
This time, we're gonna learn all about the differences between these two words. Still interested in gaining more knowledge? Come on.

Thru vs. Through

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
This time, we're gonna delve into the differences and similarities between these two words. Wanna learn more? Well, why don't you join me?

Through vs. Thorough

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
This time, we're gonna analyze these two nearly identical words. Still interested in gaining more knowledge? Well, why don't you join me?
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app