ideogram
2
8.6
- noun
- /ˈaɪdiəˌɡræm/
- Specialized
:
ideograma
- compound ideograms
- simple ideograms
- iconic ideogram
Examples
-
As an ideogram, it does give us the clue to the meaning of the word "to go forth".
-
Each ideogram is equivalent to a chime, which is to say, a whole unit of meaning.
Fiction book (1993) -
"I am amazed by your ability to read the ideograms," said Reith.
Fiction book (1993) -
Diabate often centers his compositions on a single ideogram, which gives the work its title (Fig. 8).
Academic text (1997) -
The codes of kingship are indicated by their colors and configurations of beads and carved ideograms.
Academic text (1996) -
Hieroglyphs consist of ideograms—signs that stand for ideas or things—and phonograms—signs that represent sounds in the language.
Academic text (2007) -
The ancient text featured an ideogram that represented the concept of love.
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In Chinese culture, each ideogram carries specific meanings that convey ideas visually.
-
Learning to read an ideogram can help you understand the symbolism behind the characters.
Synonyms
73
2.7
A mark, like a letter, that stands for something
3
4.4
A simple picture that shows a word, idea or object on signs and maps
1
9.9
A written sign that shows an idea or thing instead of a word
1
9.9
A written symbol that stands for a whole word or phrase
A written sign that stands for a whole word or short phrase
A written mark, like a letter, that stands for a sound or idea
Antonyms
How Pictorial
Surface Forms
Morphology
ideogram = ideo + gram
The word is composed of classical combining forms ideo- ('idea') and -gram ('written sign'); the meaning is predictable from these elements but they are not standalone English words, so learners may only partially infer the meaning.
Etymology
Ideogram comes from Greek parts idea meaning 'form' or 'idea' and gramma meaning 'something written'. A helpful image is a small picture or written sign that shows an idea or thing directly, not the sound of a word, which is why an ideogram stands for a whole idea.