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Icon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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icon

[ˈaɪkɑːn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

web design

A small, simple, graphical image that represents an object or action.

Synonyms

image, representation, symbol.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
icon

This word is suitable for describing a small graphical representation, often used in applications, software, or websites. It can also refer to a person or thing that is greatly admired.

  • Click the icon to open the application.
  • She is a fashion icon.
symbol

This word fits when referring to something that stands for or represents something else, often in cultural, social, or mathematical contexts.

  • The heart is a common symbol of love.
  • In the equation, the '+' symbol indicates addition.
image

Use this word when referring to a visual representation of something, such as a photograph, drawing, or any visual depiction.

  • I uploaded an image of my cat to the social media profile.
  • The image of the mountains was very beautiful.
representation

This word is good for formal or technical contexts where you are describing an abstract depiction, often used in academic, digital, or complex systems.

  • The chart is a representation of the data collected over the past year.
  • This sculpture is an artistic representation of human emotions.

Examples of usage

  • The website has a shopping cart icon to indicate where to click to view your cart.
  • The email icon is typically located in the top right corner of the screen.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In the 1980s, pop culture icons like Madonna and Michael Jackson helped shape music trends and fashion.
  • Video game characters, such as Mario, have become cultural icons, influencing gaming and entertainment.
  • Social media has created modern icons, like influencers, who impact their followers' tastes and lifestyles.

Technology

  • In computing, an icon is a graphical representation of a program or file, making it easier to identify them.
  • The desktop icon design has evolved from simple images to complex graphics encapsulating brand identity.
  • Mobile apps utilize icons to convey their functions quickly, enhancing user experience and navigation.

Literature

  • Many literary icons, such as Sherlock Holmes, symbolize intelligence and detective skills in storytelling.
  • Character icons from novels often represent broader themes, like heroism in 'The Great Gatsby' or tragedy in 'Macbeth'.
  • Authors like Jane Austen and Mark Twain have become icons of classic literature, influencing countless readers and writers.

Psychology

  • Icons can trigger powerful emotions; for instance, national flags symbolize patriotism and identity.
  • Psychologically, people project their ideals onto icons, using them as role models or sources of inspiration.
  • The concept of an 'icon' in psychology relates to how images and symbols can influence behavior and decision-making.

Origin of 'icon'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'icon' comes from the Greek word 'eikon', meaning image or likeness.
  • Originally, 'icon' referred to religious images venerated in Byzantine culture, used in churches.
  • The modern usage of 'icon' began in the mid-20th century, referring to symbols in popular culture.

The word 'icon' has its origins in Greek, where it originally meant a religious image or statue. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include any symbol or image that represents something. In the digital age, 'icon' is commonly used to refer to small graphical images used in user interfaces to represent functions or content.

See also: iconic, iconoclast, iconography, iconolatry, icons, laconicism.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,248, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.