Insignia: meaning, definitions and examples
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insignia
[ɪnˈsɪɡniə ]
Definition
official symbol
An insignia is an official symbol or design that represents a particular organization or rank. It is often worn on clothing or displayed on flags.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| insignia |
Primarily used to describe official symbols that signify rank, affiliation, or membership, especially in military or governmental contexts.
|
| emblem |
Generally used to describe a symbol, sign, or figure that represents something, often an abstract quality, idea, or concept, like organizations, nations, or beliefs.
|
| badge |
Commonly used to refer to a small piece of metal, plastic, or cloth, often with a name or symbol, worn to show someone’s identity or affiliation with an organization. It is also widely used in police contexts.
|
| crest |
Typically refers to a decorative emblem or heraldic device, often used by families, institutions, or organizations, and seen on shields, flags, or coats of arms.
|
Examples of usage
- The military officer proudly displayed his insignia on his uniform.
- The company logo serves as the insignia of quality and trust.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin word 'insignia', which means 'mark' or 'emblem'.
- Insignia has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally in reference to royal or military symbols.
Military
- In military contexts, insignia are used to denote ranks and qualifications, allowing for easy recognition of an individual’s position.
- Different countries have unique styles of insignia—U.S. military ranks are often marked by chevrons or stars.
Cultural Significance
- Many organizations, like schools and sports teams, create distinct insignia to foster unity and pride among their members.
- In heraldry, insignia are often depicted on coats of arms, highlighting lineage and achievements.
Pop Culture
- In films and television, insignia often appear on uniforms, helping viewers instantly understand a character's role or affiliation.
- Popular franchises like Star Trek and Star Wars utilize unique insignias that fans recognize and associate with their favorite characters and factions.
Psychology
- Insignia can influence group identity, as they often provide members with a sense of belonging and loyalty.
- Research shows that wearing specific insignia can boost individuals' self-esteem by promoting a positive group identity.
Translations
Translations of the word "insignia" in other languages:
🇵🇹 insígnia
🇮🇳 प्रतीक
🇩🇪 Abzeichen
🇮🇩 lencana
🇺🇦 знак
🇵🇱 odznaka
🇯🇵 記章 (きしょう)
🇫🇷 insigne
🇪🇸 insignia
🇹🇷 nişan
🇰🇷 기장 (gijang)
🇸🇦 شارة
🇨🇿 odznak
🇸🇰 odznak
🇨🇳 徽章 (huīzhāng)
🇸🇮 značka
🇮🇸 merki
🇰🇿 белгі
🇬🇪 ნიშანი
🇦🇿 nişan
🇲🇽 insignia