icon
icon
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "icon" is /ˈaɪkɒn/.
First Syllable (/ˈaɪ/):
/aɪ/ as in the "i" sound in "ice"
Second Syllable (/kɒn/):
/k/ as in the "k" sound in "kit"
/ɒ/ as in the "o" sound in "cot" (or a similar sound to the "aw" in "dawn" in some accents)
/n/ as in the "n" sound in "net"
Word Form Variations
Singular: icon
Plural: icons
Adjective: iconic
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A person or thing widely admired and revered, often representing a particular quality, type, or movement.
Synonyms: paragon, exemplar, idol, symbol, embodiment, archetype
Antonyms: nobody, outcast, anomaly, antithesis
Definition 2: A graphic symbol or small image on a computer screen or mobile device that represents an application, function, or data file, used to facilitate user interaction.
Synonyms: symbol, graphic, emblem, representation, glyph
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; perhaps "text-based interface" or "command line" could be considered conceptually opposite in terms of interaction style)
Definition 3: A devotional painting or mosaic, especially one portraying Christ, Mary, saints, or biblical scenes, revered in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
Synonyms: image, painting, effigy, holy image, sacred artwork
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; perhaps "profane image" or "secular artwork" could be considered conceptually opposite)
Examples of Use
Books: "The character of Sherlock Holmes has become a cultural icon, instantly recognizable by his deerstalker hat and magnifying glass, symbolizing brilliant deduction." (From a literary analysis, general knowledge)
Newspapers: "Serena Williams, a true icon of tennis, announced her retirement, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy of Grand Slam titles and advocacy." ( The New York Times, August 2022)
Online Publications: "The new software update features redesigned icons for easier navigation and a more intuitive user experience." (TechCrunch, April 2024)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Marilyn Monroe remains a Hollywood icon, her image and films continuing to captivate audiences decades after her passing." (General cinematic discussion)
Music: "Beyoncé's performance at the Coachella festival solidified her status as a global music icon, inspiring millions with her artistry and stage presence." (Rolling Stone, May 2018)
Video Games: "The 8-bit mushroom in Super Mario Bros. is an iconic symbol of the early days of video gaming." (Gaming blog, general knowledge)
Social Media: "Fans flooded social media with tributes, sharing iconic moments from the basketball legend's career after his passing." (Twitter trends, January 2020)
General Public Discourse: "That old diner with the neon sign is an icon of the neighborhood; everyone knows it." (Conversational use)
10 Famous Quotes Using Icon
"Wherever you go, there are three icons that everyone knows: Jesus Christ, Pele and Coca-Cola." (Pele)
"I'm more than an actor. I'm an icon, an industry." (Corey Feldman)
"I'm Valentino Rossi. And I want to be a person, not an icon." (Valentino Rossi)
"Dick Clark is an American icon. I am honored that he has entrusted me with such a role in this national tradition." (Ryan Seacrest)
"When I created Buffy, I wanted to create a female icon, but I also wanted to be very careful to surround her with men that not only have no problem with the idea of a female leader, but were in fact engaged and even attracted to the idea." (Joss Whedon)
"Gay icons usually have some tragedy in their lives, but I've only had tragic haircuts and outfits." (Kylie Minogue)
"Glenn Close is a living icon." (Anthony Anderson)
"What was new was the symbolic force of the targets struck. The attackers did not just physically cause the highest buildings in Manhattan to collapse; they also destroyed an icon in the household imagery of the American nation." (Jurgen Habermas)
"I never think of myself as an icon. What is in other people's minds is not in my mind. I just do my thing." (Audrey Hepburn)
"To be an icon is a big job - it's beyond acting." (Isabella Rossellini)
Etymology
The word "icon" comes from the Greek word "eikōn", which simply means "image" or "likeness."
Its very first known use in English, around the mid-17th century (specifically the 1650s), was in a religious context. It referred to a religious image or painting, particularly those found in the Eastern Orthodox Church, depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints, or biblical scenes. These were not just pictures, but were seen as sacred objects of veneration.
So, originally, "icon" was all about a sacred, religious image. Over time, its meaning broadened to include other kinds of images and, eventually, people or things that represent something important or are widely recognized and admired.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Icon
Cultural icon: Referring to someone or something widely recognized and representative of a culture.
Design icon: Denoting a product, building, or graphic that is a classic example of excellent design.
Style icon: Describing a person whose fashion choices are widely influential and admired.
A true icon: Emphasizing that someone or something is a definitive and exemplary representative of its kind.
Religious icon: Directly referencing the traditional meaning of a sacred image, particularly in Eastern Orthodoxy.
Desktop icon: Referring to the small graphical representations on a computer screen.
To become an icon: To achieve widespread recognition and admiration as a leading example.
An iconic figure: Similar to "cultural icon," highlighting a prominent and influential person.
Digital icon: Pertaining to any graphic symbol used in digital interfaces.
An image of renown: (Using a synonym for "icon" to convey similar meaning of widespread recognition).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of icon from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
