Cloak vs. Mantle — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 26, 2024
A cloak is a loose outer garment that covers the body from the shoulders to the legs, often with a hood, while a mantle is a type of cloak or a symbolic representation of authority or responsibility.
Difference Between Cloak and Mantle
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Cloaks are designed as outer garments that drape over the wearer's body, offering protection against the weather or for ceremonial purposes. They are typically long, sometimes reaching the ground, and can be fastened at the neck. On the other hand, mantles can either refer to a specific style of cloak, characterized by its heavy fabric and often significant in ceremonial contexts, or to a figurative item representing authority, responsibility, or an important role passed from one individual to another.
While the term "cloak" primarily emphasizes the physical aspect of the garment, focusing on its function to cover and protect or to serve as a fashion statement, "mantle" carries a deeper, often symbolic significance. A mantle can signify a role or duty that is assumed by someone, implying a transfer of responsibility or power, whereas a cloak is seldom imbued with such metaphorical meanings.
In historical and literary contexts, cloaks are often mentioned as practical garments worn by various classes of people, from commoners to nobility, across different cultures and eras. Mantles, however, are frequently referenced in a metaphorical sense, such as when discussing the passing of a "mantle of leadership" from one leader to another, highlighting their role beyond mere physical coverage.
Cloaks can be made from a variety of materials, including wool, velvet, and silk, and can be plain or elaborately decorated depending on their use and the wearer's status. Mantles, when referring to the garment, are typically made from heavier, more luxurious materials, signifying the wearer's importance or the solemnity of an occasion. As a symbolic item, the "material" of a mantle is the prestige, duty, and responsibility it represents.
The versatility of cloaks makes them suitable for a range of activities, from everyday wear in ancient times to specialized uses in modern fantasy and historical reenactment. Mantles, by contrast, are more likely to be seen in formal ceremonies or in narrative contexts where they denote a transition of power or the bearing of a significant role.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
A loose outer garment covering the body from shoulders down.
A type of cloak or a symbolic representation of authority.
Symbolism
Generally lacks symbolic meaning.
Often carries symbolic significance of authority or duty.
Material
Made from a variety of materials, including wool and silk.
Often made from heavier materials or is metaphorical.
Usage Context
Worn for protection, fashion, or ceremonial purposes.
Worn for ceremonial purposes or represents a role/duty.
Historical Use
Common across various classes and cultures for practicality.
Often associated with nobility, clergy, or metaphorical transfer of responsibility.
Compare with Definitions
Cloak
Used metaphorically to describe something that conceals.
The operation was conducted under the cloak of secrecy.
Mantle
A cloak-like garment, especially one that signifies authority or a ceremonial role.
The queen wore a royal mantle during the coronation.
Cloak
A long, loose outer garment that covers the body from the shoulders to the legs.
She wrapped herself in a thick cloak to brave the winter storm.
Mantle
In geology, refers to the layer of the earth between the crust and the core.
The study focused on the mantle's role in volcanic activity.
Cloak
Variably styled and decorated to indicate status or affiliation.
Her cloak was adorned with the emblem of her guild.
Mantle
Symbolic of a role or responsibility passed from one person to another.
He took up the mantle of leadership after his mentor's retirement.
Cloak
A garment often associated with historical or fantasy settings.
The knight donned his cloak before leaving the castle.
Mantle
Represents a covering or something that envelops.
The forest was blanketed in a mantle of snow.
Cloak
Can include a hood for added protection or anonymity.
He pulled the hood of his cloak over his head to conceal his face.
Mantle
Used to describe a significant task or duty assumed by a person.
She accepted the mantle of organizing the community event.
Cloak
A cloak is a type of loose garment that is worn over indoor clothing and serves the same purpose as an overcoat; it protects the wearer from the cold, rain or wind for example, or it may form part of a fashionable outfit or uniform. Cloaks have been used by myriad historic societies; many climates favor wearing a full-body garment which is easily removed and does not constrain the wearer with sleeves.
Mantle
A loose sleeveless cloak or shawl, worn especially by women
She was wrapped tightly in her mantle
Cloak
A sleeveless outdoor overgarment that hangs loosely from the shoulders
He threw his cloak about him
Mantle
An important role or responsibility that passes from one person to another
The second son has now assumed his father's mantle
Cloak
A cloakroom
Ground-floor accommodation comprises hall, cloaks, lounge, kitchen
Mantle
A fragile mesh cover fixed round a gas jet, kerosene wick, etc., to give an incandescent light when heated.
Cloak
Dress in a cloak
They sat cloaked and hooded
Mantle
The region of the earth's interior between the crust and the core, believed to consist of hot, dense silicate rocks (mainly peridotite)
Magmas erupted at mid-ocean ridges are derived from the upper mantle
Mantle rock
The presence of hot mantle leads to melting at the base of the lithosphere
Cloak
A long, loose outer garment, usually having a hood and no sleeves.
Mantle
Variant spelling of mantel
Cloak
Something that covers or conceals
A cloak of secrecy.
Mantle
Cloak or envelop
Heavy mists mantled the forested slopes
Cloak
To cover or conceal with a cloak or something that acts like a cloak
Mist that cloaks the mountains.
Mantle
(of a bird of prey on the ground or on a perch) spread the wings and tail so as to cover captured prey
The female Goshawk is feeding while mantling with spread wings over her prey
Cloak
A long outer garment worn over the shoulders covering the back; a cape, often with a hood.
Mantle
A loose sleeveless coat worn over outer garments; a cloak.
Cloak
A blanket-like covering, often metaphorical.
Night hid her movements with its cloak of darkness.
Mantle
Something that covers, envelops, or conceals:"On a summer night ... a mantle of dust hangs over the gravel roads"(John Dollard).
Cloak
(figurative) That which conceals; a disguise or pretext.
RQ:South Twelve Sermons
Mantle
The role or appearance of an authoritative or important person:"a Carlylean conviction that in modern society a poet was obligated to assume the mantle of a prophet"(Richard D. Altick).
Cloak
(Internet) A text replacement for an IRC user's hostname or IP address, making the user less identifiable.
Mantle
Variant ofmantel.
Cloak
(transitive) To cover as with a cloak.
Mantle
The outer covering of a wall.
Cloak
To cover up, hide or conceal.
Mantle
A zone of hot gases around a flame.
Cloak
To render or become invisible via futuristic technology.
The ship cloaked before entering the enemy sector of space.
Mantle
A device in gas lamps consisting of a sheath of threads that gives off brilliant illumination when heated by the flame.
Cloak
A loose outer garment, extending from the neck downwards, and commonly without sleeves. It is longer than a cape, and is worn both by men and by women.
Mantle
(Anatomy)The cerebral cortex.
Cloak
That which conceals; a disguise or pretext; an excuse; a fair pretense; a mask; a cover.
No man is esteemed any ways considerable for policy who wears religion otherwise than as a cloak.
Mantle
(Geology)The zone of the earth between the crust and the core.
Cloak
To cover with, or as with, a cloak; hence, to hide or conceal.
Now glooming sadly, so to cloak her matter.
Mantle
The outer wall and casing of a blast furnace above the hearth.
Cloak
Anything that covers or conceals
Mantle
The shoulder feathers, upper back, and sometimes the wings of a bird when differently colored from the rest of the body.
Cloak
A loose outer garment
Mantle
A fold or pair of folds of the body wall that covers the internal organs and typically secretes the substance that forms the shell in mollusks and brachiopods.
Cloak
Hide under a false appearance;
He masked his disappointment
Mantle
The soft outer wall lining the shell of a tunicate or barnacle.
Mantle
To cover with a mantle.
Mantle
To cover with something that acts like a mantle; cover, envelop, or conceal:"when the land was mantled in forest and prowled by lions, leopards, and wolves"(David Campbell).
Mantle
To spread or become extended over a surface.
Mantle
To become covered with a coating, as scum or froth on the surface of a liquid.
Mantle
To blush:cheeks mantling with embarrassment.
Mantle
A piece of clothing somewhat like an open robe or cloak, especially that worn by Orthodox bishops. Compare mantum.
Mantle
(figuratively) A figurative garment representing authority or status, capable of affording protection.
At the meeting, she finally assumed the mantle of leadership of the party.
The movement strove to put women under the protective mantle of civil rights laws.
Mantle
(figuratively) Anything that covers or conceals something else; a cloak.
Mantle
(malacology) The body wall of a mollusc, from which the shell is secreted.
Mantle
(ornithology) The back of a bird together with the folded wings.
Mantle
The zone of hot gases around a flame.
Mantle
A gauzy fabric impregnated with metal nitrates, used in some kinds of gas and oil lamps and lanterns, which forms a rigid but fragile mesh of metal oxides when heated during initial use and then produces white light from the heat of the flame below it. So called because it is hung above the lamp's flame like a mantel.
Mantle
The outer wall and casing of a blast furnace, above the hearth.
Mantle
A penstock for a water wheel.
Mantle
(anatomy) The cerebral cortex.
Mantle
(geology) The layer between the Earth's core and crust.
Mantle
A fireplace shelf; mantel
Mantle
(heraldry) A mantling.
Mantle
(transitive) To cover or conceal (something); to cloak; to disguise.
Mantle
(intransitive) To become covered or concealed. en
Mantle
(intransitive) To spread like a mantle (especially of blood in the face and cheeks when a person flushes).
Mantle
To climb over or onto something.
Mantle
(falconry) The action of stretching out the wings to hide food.
Mantle
(falconry) The action of stretching a wing and the same side leg out to one side of the body.
Mantle
A loose garment to be worn over other garments; an enveloping robe; a cloak.
[The] children are clothed with mantles of satin.
The green mantle of the standing pool.
Now Nature hangs her mantle greenOn every blooming tree.
Mantle
Same as Mantling.
Mantle
The external fold, or folds, of the soft, exterior membrane of the body of a mollusk. It usually forms a cavity inclosing the gills. See Illusts. of Buccinum, and Byssus.
Mantle
A mantel. See Mantel.
Mantle
The outer wall and casing of a blast furnace, above the hearth.
Mantle
A penstock for a water wheel.
Mantle
The highly viscous shell of hot semisolid rock, about 1800 miles thick, lying under the crust of the Earth and above the core. Also, by analogy, a similar shell on any other planet.
Mantle
To cover or envelop, as with a mantle; to cloak; to hide; to disguise.
Mantle
To unfold and spread out the wings, like a mantle; - said of hawks. Also used figuratively.
Ne is there hawk which mantleth on her perch.
Or tend his sparhawk mantling in her mew.
My frail fancy fed with full delight.Doth bathe in bliss, and mantleth most at ease.
Mantle
To spread out; - said of wings.
The swan, with arched neckBetween her white wings mantling proudly, rows.
Mantle
To spread over the surface as a covering; to overspread; as, the scum mantled on the pool.
Though mantled in her cheek the blood.
Mantle
To gather, assume, or take on, a covering, as froth, scum, etc.
There is a sort of men whose visagesDo cream and mantle like a standing pond.
Nor bowl of wassail mantle warm.
Mantle
The cloak as a symbol of authority;
Place the mantle of authority on younger shoulders
Mantle
United States baseball player (1931-1997)
Mantle
The layer of the earth between the crust and the core
Mantle
Anything that covers;
There was a blanket of snow
Mantle
(zoology) a protective layer of epidermis in mollusks or brachiopods that secretes a substance forming the shell
Mantle
Shelf that projects from wall above fireplace;
In England they call a mantel a chimneypiece
Mantle
Hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
Mantle
A sleeveless garment like a cloak but shorter
Mantle
Spread over a surface, like a mantle
Mantle
Cover like a mantle;
The ivy mantles the building
Common Curiosities
What distinguishes a cloak from a mantle?
A cloak is primarily a protective or fashion garment, while a mantle can be a ceremonial cloak or symbolize authority or duty.
Can a mantle be worn like a cloak?
Yes, when referring to the garment, a mantle is a type of cloak, often worn for ceremonial purposes.
Are cloaks still used today?
While not common in everyday fashion, cloaks are still used in historical reenactments, fantasy costumes, and some ceremonial occasions.
How is the mantle used metaphorically?
Metaphorically, taking up the mantle refers to assuming a role, responsibility, or task previously held by another.
Does the mantle have any symbolic meanings?
Yes, beyond its physical form, a mantle often symbolizes a transfer of authority, responsibility, or an important role.
How does one "take up the mantle" in a non-literal sense?
To "take up the mantle" means to assume a responsibility, duty, or leadership role that was previously held by someone else.
What are the historical origins of the cloak?
Cloaks have ancient origins, serving as simple and versatile garments across different cultures for protection against the elements.
What is the significance of the mantle in ceremonies?
In ceremonies, the mantle often signifies the wearer's high status, authority, or role within a specific context or organization.
What materials are cloaks made from?
Cloaks can be made from various materials, including wool, silk, velvet, and synthetic fibers, depending on their use and era.
Can the term "mantle" refer to anything outside of clothing?
Yes, in geology, the mantle refers to the Earth's layer beneath the crust, and metaphorically, it can signify a covering or responsibility.
What role do cloaks and mantles play in fantasy genres?
In fantasy, cloaks and mantles often have magical properties or signify the wearer's role or status within a fictional world.
Is the mantle associated with specific professions or roles?
Yes, in history, mantles were often associated with royalty, clergy, and leaders, symbolizing their authority and duties.
How do cloaks and mantles differ in their representation in literature?
In literature, cloaks often symbolize mystery or protection, while mantles are used more symbolically to represent the passing of roles or duties.
Can the design of a cloak or mantle indicate the wearer's status?
Yes, the material, color, and decorations of cloaks and mantles can indicate the wearer's social status, profession, or affiliation.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Marxism vs. Communism
Next Comparison
Density vs. VolumeAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
