iconic symbol

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "iconic symbol" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an object or image that has come to be associated with a particular idea or concept. For example, the Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's an iconic symbol.

Independent

"This will become an iconic symbol for the area".

The New York Times

The speech immediately became an iconic symbol of the anti-war movement.

The Guardian

"Skorpios was the iconic symbol of the Onassis legend and family".

The Guardian

"It turns that iconic symbol into a marketing tool," he said.

The New York Times

But they have also developed into an iconic symbol of law generally.

The New York Times

The bus is an iconic symbol of racial issues in the south.

The Guardian - Opinion

Can there be a more iconic symbol of girlhood and beauty than a ballet slipper?

The Guardian

Malala was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize and became an iconic symbol for young women's educational struggles.

The New York Times

In 2006 he climbed Delicate Arch, the rounded 60-foot formation that is an iconic symbol in Utah.

The New York Times

It would be hard to find a more iconic symbol of one kind of Western man than Kent Cooper.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "iconic symbol", ensure the subject truly represents a widely recognized concept or entity. Overuse can dilute its impact, so reserve it for genuinely significant representations.

Common error

Avoid using "iconic symbol" to describe commonplace or trivial items. The phrase should be reserved for symbols with significant cultural or historical weight, not just personal preferences or momentary trends.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "iconic symbol" functions as a noun phrase modifier, where the adjective "iconic" intensifies the noun "symbol". It is used to describe something that is a widely recognized and representative sign, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "iconic symbol" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe something that is a recognizable and representative sign. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase modifier, intensifying the meaning of "symbol". While some may consider it redundant, its widespread usage in news, media, encyclopedias, and even informal contexts supports its validity. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject truly represents a widely recognized concept or entity to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

representative emblem

Replaces 'iconic' with 'representative' and 'symbol' with 'emblem', emphasizing its function as a typical example.

classic representation

Uses 'classic' to highlight the long-standing recognition and 'representation' for a formal depiction.

emblematic figure

Swaps 'symbol' to 'figure', focusing on a person or thing as a representation.

hallmark image

Replaces 'symbol' with 'image', referring to visual representation and 'iconic' to 'hallmark', which means distinctive feature.

signature motif

Replaces the term 'iconic' with 'signature' and 'symbol' with 'motif' suggesting a recurring element

archetypal sign

Substitutes 'iconic' with 'archetypal', denoting a very typical example of a certain person or thing and the term 'symbol' with 'sign'.

quintessential marker

Replaces 'iconic' with 'quintessential', pointing out the most perfect or typical example of something; 'symbol' becomes 'marker'.

renowned token

Uses 'renowned' in place of 'iconic', indicating fame or respect, and 'token' instead of 'symbol'.

celebrated representation

This phrase uses 'celebrated' to convey wide recognition and 'representation' instead of 'symbol'.

distinguished emblem

Replaces 'iconic' with 'distinguished' and 'symbol' with 'emblem', to highlight the notability of something.

FAQs

How can I use "iconic symbol" in a sentence?

You can use "iconic symbol" to describe something widely recognized and representative of a particular idea or entity. For instance, "The Eiffel Tower is an "iconic symbol" of Paris".

What is a synonym for "iconic symbol"?

Alternatives to "iconic symbol" include "representative emblem", "classic representation", or "hallmark image", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "iconic symbol"?

While some may argue that "iconic" implies symbolic representation, the phrase "iconic symbol" is widely accepted and used to emphasize the profound and recognizable nature of the symbol. Ludwig supports the usage of "iconic symbol".

What makes a symbol "iconic"?

A symbol becomes "iconic" through widespread recognition, cultural significance, and enduring association with a particular concept or entity. Examples include the Statue of Liberty representing freedom or the Olympic rings representing international unity.