Logogram: meaning, definitions and examples

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logogram

 

[ˈlɒɡəˌɡræm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

writing system

A logogram is a written character that represents a word or phrase. It is used in various writing systems, notably in Chinese and ancient Egyptian scripts. Logograms can often convey complex meanings with a single symbol.

Synonyms

ideogram, pictogram, syllabary.

Examples of usage

  • The Chinese character '山' is a logogram for 'mountain'.
  • In ancient Egyptian writing, the symbol of an eye was a logogram for the word 'to see'.
  • Logograms are efficient in allowing readers to understand meaning quickly.
  • The use of logograms can reduce the number of characters needed in written communication.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'logogram' comes from the Greek words 'logos' meaning 'word' and 'gramma' meaning 'that which is written'.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the 19th century, demonstrating a significant evolution in written communication.
  • Related terms include 'pictogram' and 'ideogram', both referring to forms of visual representation in writing.

History of Writing

  • The earliest known logograms can be traced back to ancient Sumerian cuneiform script, where symbols represented sounds or entire words.
  • Chinese characters are a prime example of logograms, where each character can represent a word or a concept, illustrating a complex language system.
  • Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs also utilized logograms, combining symbols for both sounds and whole phrases to convey meanings.

Pop Culture

  • Many modern logos, such as the Nike swoosh, serve as logograms since they evoke the brand's identity without using any text.
  • In social media, emojis act like logograms where a small picture conveys emotions or ideas, like using a thumbs-up for agreement.
  • The '@
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Translations

Translations of the word "logogram" in other languages:

🇵🇹 logograma

🇮🇳 लोगोग्राम

🇩🇪 Logogramm

🇮🇩 logogram

🇺🇦 логограма

🇵🇱 logogram

🇯🇵 ロググラム

🇫🇷 logogramme

🇪🇸 logograma

🇹🇷 logogram

🇰🇷 로고그램

🇸🇦 لوجوغرام

🇨🇿 logogram

🇸🇰 logogram

🇨🇳 表意文字

🇸🇮 logogram

🇮🇸 logógraf

🇰🇿 логограмма

🇬🇪 ლოგოგრამა

🇦🇿 logogram

🇲🇽 logograma