emblem
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
A physical object or design that serves as a visible symbol representing an abstract idea, quality, organization, or nation.
Something that represents or typifies a particular quality, concept, or person; a perfect example or embodiment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
An emblem is typically a concrete, often stylized, representation (like a badge, shield, or logo) that stands for something abstract. It carries a sense of official representation and symbolic meaning, often with historical or institutional weight.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Both varieties use the word identically.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in American English; equally formal in British English.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
emblem of [abstract noun]emblem for [organization/nation]emblem representing [concept]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the very emblem of [something]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a company logo or brand symbol used for official identification and marketing.
Academic
Used in history, political science, and semiotics to discuss symbols of nations, movements, or ideologies.
Everyday
Used to describe a well-known symbol, like a national flag or a sports team logo.
Technical
In heraldry and vexillology, a precise term for a symbolic design on a shield or flag.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The design was chosen to emblem the unity of the commonwealth.
- The statue emblems the city's resilience.
American English
- The new logo emblems our company's innovative spirit.
- This gesture emblems our commitment to peace.
adverb
British English
- The flag waved emblematically over the fortress.
- He spoke emblematically for his generation.
American English
- The monument stands emblematically at the city's center.
- The data points emblematically to a systemic failure.
adjective
British English
- The emblematic lion represents courage.
- Her actions were emblematic of the struggle.
American English
- The eagle is an emblematic figure in American culture.
- This case is emblematic of a larger problem.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dove is an emblem of peace.
- Our school has an emblem with a book and a torch.
- The national emblem is printed on our passports.
- The company changed its emblem last year.
- The oak tree served as an emblem of strength and endurance for the ancient tribe.
- Her honesty became an emblem for integrity in the community.
- The crumbling factory stood as a bleak emblem of the region's economic decline.
- The philosopher argued that the myth was merely an emblem for a deeper psychological truth.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the M in eMbleM as standing for 'Mark' – it's a marked symbol.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ABSTRACT IDEA IS A CONCRETE OBJECT (The idea is carried/represented by the object).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'эмблема' (which is a correct translation) and 'символ' (a broader term for 'symbol'). 'Эмблема' is the direct equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'emblem' for a temporary sign or a simple picture without symbolic weight.
- Confusing 'emblem' (a symbolic object/design) with 'emblematic' (the adjective meaning 'serving as a symbol').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be described as an 'emblem'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An emblem is a specific type of symbol, often a physical design or object (like a badge or crest) that officially represents something. 'Symbol' is a broader term for anything that represents something else.
Yes, but it is rare and formal. It means 'to serve as an emblem of' or 'to represent symbolically' (e.g., 'The torch emblems enlightenment').
It is used with equal frequency and identical meaning in both major varieties of English.
The adjective is 'emblematic' (e.g., 'The event was emblematic of the era').