Pictograph Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pictograph

[ˈpɪk.tə.græf ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

written symbols

A pictograph is a symbol representing a concept, object, or action that communicates information visually rather than verbally. This representation often employs images or icons to convey meaning, making it an effective tool for communicating ideas across language barriers.

Synonyms

icon, pictogram, symbol.

Examples of usage

  • The use of pictographs in ancient cultures helped convey messages.
  • In modern usage, pictographs can be found in infographics.
  • Many road signs utilize pictographs for universal understanding.
  • Students often use pictographs to represent data in presentations.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • Early humans used pictographs on cave walls to depict hunting scenes and daily life.
  • The ancient Egyptians used pictographs in their hieroglyphic writing system, which included symbols representing sounds and words.

Education

  • Teachers often use pictographs in classrooms to help children understand concepts visually and engage with data.
  • In statistics, pictographs help to simplify complex information, making it easier for students to grasp.

Art

  • Artists employ the pictograph technique to convey messages or themes through visual storytelling.
  • Modern graphic design often incorporates pictographs to create effective visual communication in advertising and informational materials.

Technology

  • In digital contexts, pictographs are used in user interfaces as icons or emojis to represent actions or emotions.
  • Many apps and websites use pictographs to enhance user experience, making navigation intuitive and engaging.

Origin of 'pictograph'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin roots 'pictus,' meaning 'painted,' and 'graphia,' meaning 'writing.'
  • Pictographs were some of the earliest forms of written communication, used by ancient cultures to express ideas.

The word 'pictograph' originates from the Latin word 'pictus', meaning 'painted' or 'drawn', and 'graph', which comes from the Greek 'grapho', meaning 'to write'. With roots tracing back to the early forms of written language, pictographs served as a primitive means of communication. They were principally used by ancient civilizations to depict practical information about their surroundings, such as hunting guides or geographical features. Over the centuries, pictographs evolved into more complex forms, influencing modern graphical representations like emojis and infographics that are pivotal in today's digital communication.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,547, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.