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iconic

iconic

133 4.4
Very well known and seen as a symbol of something
  • adjective
  • /aɪˈkɒnɪk/
translation icon : icónico
  • The Eiffel Tower is an iconic symbol of Paris.
  • an iconic image
  • an iconic representation
  • an iconic gesture

So let's get into her iconic photo recreation.

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Examples

  • We give guided tours of the locations where they filmed the most iconic horror films, the classics.

  • Their terracottas are now some of the most iconic ancient objects from Africa.

    Academic text (2011)
  • I mean, I think this is the iconic picture, right?

  • And this became the iconic video that it is today.

  • And these are now iconic TV characters.

  • I mean, this is an iconic photo.

  • Yeah, It's one of the most iconic works of ancient literature.

  • Collaboration and partnership are words that have become almost iconic during the past fifteen years.

    Academic text (1994)
  • That's probably the most iconic scene in a love movie.

  • Ranks of wind turbines turning in the breeze make an iconic image of the application of renewable energy.

    Academic text (2011)

Synonyms

legendary
vsiconic
246 4.2

Very famous and admired, like a hero from old stories

focuses on being a widely recognized symbol rather than only fame
emblematic
vsiconic
16 7.0

A symbol of an idea or quality, like a flag

is widely recognized and more representative in public perception
emblematical
vsiconic
8.9

Acting as a symbol of an idea like peace or courage

is more widely recognized and represents the whole subject

Antonyms

629 2.3

Not known or named, often with no name given

84 7.0

Not well known or famous

How Representative

legendary
246 4.2
iconic
133 4.4
classic
539 3.4
recognizable
  • US
65 2.3
notable
112 3.7

Surface Forms

iconic positive

Morphology

iconic = icon (transparent) = icon + ic

The adjective is a standard formation from the noun 'icon' with the productive suffix '-ic', so its meaning 'relating to or characteristic of an icon' is directly inferable.

Etymology

The word iconic comes from the Greek word eikon, meaning 'image' or 'picture', and is also linked to the familiar English word icon. So something iconic is like a strong image or symbol that stands for an idea, person, or place, which is why we call very famous buildings or people 'iconic'.