pictogram

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pictogram" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a symbol or image that represents a concept or idea, often used in signage or communication to convey information visually. Example: "The map included a pictogram of a restroom to help visitors locate facilities easily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

This looks like freedom but, since there is nowhere to turn off and nowhere to stop, it could just as well serve as a pictogram of its opposite.

The Economist

Emily Dickinson has an 'aura of immensity and chill', a 'mosaic, pictogram concentration of ideas'.

Independent

In Film in Five Seconds, readers can even download an app which allows them to scan the page to bring the pictogram to life on their smartphones.

Independent

HEATHER KRAVAS AND ANTONIJA LIVINGSTONE The title of the duo's last work was unpronounceable; the title of their new one is a pictogram.

The New Yorker

By taking a diaper changing pictogram and separating the baby from his mother, and then using that as the basis for a Michael Jackson portrait, this reminds people that Michael Jackson is not just about music.

The New Yorker

The left pictogram is captioned, "1945".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Many are non-verbal, and use pictogram-based systems – both electronic and paper-based – to communicate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Everything else on the social network, which operates a bit like a pictogram-filled Twitter, is an emoji.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Bransom, 41, a laid-back guy still flush from a string of successes in the dot-com world whose own sartorial tastes run to baseball caps and T-shirts, created Spot last year with his wife, Lisa Bransom, a vice president and creative supervisor at the Lowe Worldwide advertising agency and the architect of the store's ironic green gestalt and punchy pictogram-style logo.

The New York Times

Mr Bouabré has recorded an oral history of his Bété tribe with hundreds of small, colourful pictograms in ballpoint, ink and pencil on cardboard, interpreting everything from world history to the movement of the heavens.

The Economist

The visionary drawings of Frédéric Bruly Bouabré, from Côte d'Ivoire, lay out the history of the world in a pan-African language of pictograms that show the continent to have been far less isolated than history usually recounts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "pictogram", ensure the image is easily recognizable and conveys a clear message without the need for accompanying text. This is especially crucial in international contexts or when communicating with diverse audiences.

Common error

Avoid using "pictogram" to describe complex or highly detailed illustrations. A "pictogram" should be a simplified visual representation, not a work of art.

Linguistic Context

The word "pictogram" functions primarily as a noun. It refers to a visual symbol that represents an object, concept, or message through simplified images. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, ranging from historical writing systems to modern digital communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "pictogram" is a noun that refers to a visual symbol representing an object or idea. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in English. Its primary function is to communicate information visually and concisely, making it useful in various contexts such as public signage, educational materials, and digital communication. While the word maintains a neutral register, it is most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedia and Science articles. Related phrases include "iconic representation" and "visual symbol". When using "pictogram", it's essential to ensure that the image is easily recognizable and conveys a clear message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

visual symbol

Focuses on the image as a symbol perceived through sight.

symbolic image

Highlights the symbolic function of the image, conveying meaning beyond its literal appearance.

graphic symbol

Indicates a symbol that is designed or created as a graphic element.

iconic representation

Emphasizes the symbolic nature and widespread recognition of the image.

image representation

Broadly refers to any image that stands for something else.

symbol

A more general term that encompasses a wide range of representations, not limited to visual ones.

representative figure

Focuses on the figure's role in standing for a larger concept or group.

ideogram

Refers to a character or figure in a writing system that represents an idea or concept, rather than a word.

visual cue

Highlights the image's role in providing a visual signal or prompt.

simplified drawing

Highlights the reduced or basic nature of the drawing, focusing on essential elements.

FAQs

How is a "pictogram" different from an ideogram?

While both are visual representations, a "pictogram" is a simple picture representing an object or concept, whereas an "ideogram" represents an idea or concept more abstractly and doesn't necessarily resemble the object it represents.

Where are "pictograms" commonly used?

"Pictograms" are frequently used in public signage, such as in airports or train stations, to provide quick and easily understandable information, regardless of language. They're also found in educational materials for children and in user interfaces for software and devices.

What are some examples of commonly used "pictograms"?

Common examples include the restroom symbol (a figure of a man or a woman), the recycling symbol (arrows chasing each other in a triangle), and the no smoking symbol (a cigarette with a line through it).

Can emojis be considered "pictograms"?

Yes, emojis can be considered a modern form of "pictogram". They are small, digital images used to express ideas or emotions in electronic communication, similar to how traditional pictograms communicate information visually.