Cross vs. Ankh — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 3, 2024
A cross is a primary symbol of Christianity, representing Jesus' crucifixion, while an ankh symbolizes life and immortality in ancient Egyptian culture.
Difference Between Cross and Ankh
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A cross, typically seen in Christian contexts, symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a representation of faith, sacrifice, and salvation. The cross has various forms, such as the Latin cross or the Greek cross, reflecting different aspects of Christianity. On the other hand, the ankh, also known as the key of life, is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbolizing both physical and eternal life. It often appears in the hands of deities or pharaohs, denoting their power to give life or rule over it.
In Christian tradition, the cross is a symbol of atonement, redemption, and the intersection of divine love and justice. It represents the ultimate sacrifice and the hope of resurrection. Meanwhile, the ankh symbolizes the union of opposites, such as male and female, and the harmony of life, illustrating the ancient Egyptians' perception of the universe's balance and the cyclical nature of life.
The cross, over centuries, has been adapted and used in various contexts outside of strict religious symbolism, including in flags, emblems, and as a sign of protection or memorial. In contrast, the ankh, while primarily an ancient symbol, has been embraced by modern movements such as New Age spirituality, signifying knowledge, wisdom, and insight into the mystical.
While both symbols originate from distinct historical and cultural backgrounds, their significance has transcended their origins, becoming embedded in global culture. The cross and the ankh serve not only as historical artifacts but also as enduring symbols of faith, life, and the human quest for meaning and understanding.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Christian tradition
Ancient Egyptian culture
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Symbolizes
Crucifixion of Jesus, faith, salvation
Life, immortality, the key of life
Cultural Significance
Central to Christianity, symbol of faith and redemption
Symbol of life and eternal life, integral to Egyptian concept of afterlife
Usage in Art and Architecture
Predominantly in churches, religious artifacts, and as a protective emblem
In tombs, sculptures, and carried by gods or pharaohs in art
Modern Interpretations
Used in various contexts outside of religion, including in flags and as symbols of protection
Adopted by New Age and alternative spirituality movements, representing wisdom and insight
Compare with Definitions
Cross
A symbol representing Christianity, derived from the instrument of Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
The wooden cross atop the church glistened under the sunset.
Ankh
A motif in fashion or decor inspired by its form and historical significance.
The elegant bracelet was designed with small ankhs linked together, merging fashion with symbolism.
Cross
A gesture of blessing or signifying the Christian faith, often made by moving the hand across the body.
Before dining, they made the sign of the cross in gratitude.
Ankh
An ancient Egyptian hieroglyph representing life or living.
The tomb walls were adorned with images of the ankh, symbolizing a journey to the afterlife.
Cross
A mixture or hybrid of two different things.
The new plant species was a cross between two indigenous flowers.
Ankh
A talisman or amulet shaped like an ankh, believed to offer protection or promote health and well-being.
She wore an ankh necklace, feeling connected to its ancient promise of life.
Cross
To go across or pass through.
The hikers crossed the dense forest to reach the clearing.
Ankh
Used in art and literature to represent ancient Egyptian culture or esoteric wisdom.
The painting depicted a pharaoh holding an ankh, emphasizing his divine right to rule.
Cross
An intersection where two lines or roads meet.
They stood at the cross, unsure of which path to take next.
Ankh
A symbol in modern cultures representing mystical knowledge, especially related to life and rebirth.
The book cover featured an ankh, hinting at the novel's exploration of ancient wisdom.
Cross
A cross is a geometrical figure consisting of two intersecting lines or bars, usually perpendicular to each other. The lines usually run vertically and horizontally.
Ankh
The ankh or key of life is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol that was most commonly used in writing and in Egyptian art to represent the word for "life" and, by extension, as a symbol of life itself. The ankh has a cross shape but with a teardrop-shaped loop in place of an upper bar.
Cross
A mark, object, or figure formed by two short intersecting lines or pieces (+ or ×)
Place a cross against the preferred choice
Ankh
A cross shaped like a T with a loop at the top, especially as used in ancient Egypt as a symbol of life. Also called ansate cross.
Cross
An upright post with a transverse bar, as used in antiquity for crucifixion.
Ankh
A cross shaped like a T with a loop at the top, the Egyptian hieroglyph representing the Egyptian triliteral gloss=life and often used as an amulet or charm for this concept.
Cross
An animal or plant resulting from cross-breeding; a hybrid
A Galloway and shorthorn cross
Ankh
A tau cross.
Cross
A pass of the ball across the field towards the centre close to one's opponents' goal
Beckham's low cross was turned into the net by Cole
Ankh
A tau cross with a loop at the top, used as an attribute or sacred emblem, symbolizing generation or enduring life. Called also crux ansata.
Cross
Go or extend across or to the other side of (an area, stretch of water, etc.)
A shadow of apprehension crossed her face
Two paths crossed the field
We crossed over the bridge
She has crossed the Atlantic twice
Ankh
An amulet or piece of jewelry shaped like an ankh{1}.
Cross
Pass in an opposite or different direction; intersect
The two lines cross at 90°
Cross
Draw a line or lines across; mark with a cross
Voters should ask one question before they cross today's ballot paper
Cross
Pass (the ball) across the field towards the centre when attacking
He could not get to the line to cross the ball
Powell crossed from the left
Cross
Cause (an animal of one species, breed, or variety) to breed with one of another species, breed, or variety
Many animals of the breed were crossed with the closely related Guernsey
Cross
Oppose or stand in the way of (someone)
No one dared cross him
Cross
Annoyed
He seemed to be very cross about something
Cross
An upright post with a transverse piece near the top, on which condemned persons were executed in ancient times.
Cross
Often Cross The cross upon which Jesus was crucified.
Cross
A crucifix.
Cross
Any of various modifications of the cross design, such as a Latin cross or Maltese cross.
Cross
A medal, emblem, or insignia in the form of a cross.
Cross
Cross The Christian religion; Christianity.
Cross
(Christianity) The sign of the cross.
Cross
A trial, affliction, or frustration.
Cross
A mark or pattern formed by the intersection of two lines, especially such a mark (X) used as a signature.
Cross
A movement from one place to another, as on a stage; a crossing.
Cross
A pipe fitting with four branches in upright and transverse form, used as a junction for intersecting pipes.
Cross
(Biology) A plant or animal produced by crossbreeding; a hybrid.
Cross
One that combines the qualities of two other things
A novel that is a cross between romance and satire.
Cross
A hook thrown over an opponent's punch in boxing.
Cross
A pass made into the center of the field to a player in position to score, especially in soccer.
Cross
(Law) An act or instance of cross-examining; a cross-examination.
Cross
The Southern Cross.
Cross
(Slang) A contest whose outcome has been dishonestly prearranged.
Cross
To go or extend across; pass from one side of to the other
Crossed the room to greet us.
A bridge that crosses the bay.
Cross
To carry or conduct across something
Crossed the horses at the ford.
Cross
To extend or pass through or over; intersect
Elm Street crosses Oak Street.
Cross
(Sports) To propel (a ball or puck) as a cross, as in soccer.
Cross
To delete by drawing a line through
Crossed tasks off her list as she did them.
Cross
To eliminate or dismiss as unimportant or undesirable
“He thought about Mr. Fraser and crossed him off as an unknown quantity” (Scott O'Dell).
Cross
To make or put a line across
Cross and divide a circle.
Cross
To place crosswise one over the other
Cross one's legs.
Cross
To make the sign of the cross upon or over as a sign of devotion or blessing.
Cross
To encounter in passing
His path crossed mine.
Cross
To combine the qualities of two things
A movie that crosses horror with humor.
Cross
To interfere with; thwart or obstruct
Don't cross me.
Cross
To betray or deceive; double-cross. Often used with up.
Cross
(Biology) To crossbreed or cross-fertilize (plants or animals).
Cross
(Law) To cross-examine.
Cross
To lie or pass across each other; intersect.
Cross
To move or extend from one side to another
Crossed through Canada en route to Alaska.
Cross
To make a crossing
Crossed into Germany from Switzerland.
Cross
To meet in passing; come into conjunction
Their paths crossed at the health club.
Cross
To move or be conveyed in opposite directions at the same time
Our letters must have crossed in the mail.
Cross
(Biology) To crossbreed or cross-fertilize.
Cross
Lying or passing crosswise; intersecting
A cross street.
Cross
Contrary or counter; opposing.
Cross
Showing ill humor; annoyed.
Cross
Involving interchange; reciprocal.
Cross
Crossbred; hybrid.
Cross
Crosswise.
Cross
Across.
Cross
A geometrical figure consisting of two straight lines or bars intersecting each other such that at least one of them is bisected by the other.
Put a cross for a wrong answer and a tick for a right one.
Cross
(heraldry) Any geometric figure having this or a similar shape, such as a cross of Lorraine or a Maltese cross.
Cross
A wooden post with a perpendicular beam attached and used (especially in the Roman Empire) to execute criminals (by crucifixion).
Criminals were commonly executed on a wooden cross.
Cross
(Christianity) Usually with the: the cross on which Christ was crucified.
Cross
(Christianity) A hand gesture made in imitation of the shape of the Cross.
She made the cross after swearing.
Cross
(Christianity) A modified representation of the crucifixion stake, worn as jewellery or displayed as a symbol of religious devotion.
She was wearing a cross on her necklace.
Cross
(figurative, from Christ's bearing of the cross) A difficult situation that must be endured.
It's a cross I must bear.
Cross
The act of going across; the act of passing from one side to the other
A quick cross of the road.
Cross
(biology) An animal or plant produced by crossbreeding or cross-fertilization.
Cross
(by extension) A hybrid of any kind.
Cross
(boxing) A hook thrown over the opponent's punch.
Cross
(football) A pass in which the ball is kicked from a side of the pitch to a position close to the opponent’s goal.
Cross
A place where roads intersect and lead off in four directions; a crossroad (common in UK and Irish place names such as Gerrards Cross).
Cross
A monument that marks such a place. (Also common in UK or Irish place names such as Charing Cross)
Cross
(obsolete) A coin stamped with the figure of a cross, or that side of such a piece on which the cross is stamped; hence, money in general.
Cross
Church lands.
Cross
A line drawn across or through another line.
Cross
(surveying) An instrument for laying of offsets perpendicular to the main course.
Cross
A pipe-fitting with four branches whose axes usually form a right angle.
Cross
(Rubik's Cube) Four edge cubies of one side that are in their right places, forming the shape of a cross.
Cross
(cartomancy) The thirty-sixth Lenormand card.
Cross
(slang) crossfire.
Cross
Transverse; lying across the main direction.
At the end of each row were cross benches which linked the rows.
Cross
(archaic) Opposite, opposed to.
His actions were perversely cross to his own happiness.
Cross
Opposing, adverse; being contrary to what one would hope or wish for.
Cross
Bad-tempered, angry, annoyed.
She was rather cross about missing her train on the first day of the job.
Please don't get cross at me. (or) Please don't get cross with me.
Cross
Made in an opposite direction, or an inverse relation; mutually inverse; interchanged.
Cross interrogatories
Cross marriages, as when a brother and sister marry persons standing in the same relation to each other
Cross
(nautical) Of the sea, having two wave systems traveling at oblique angles, due to the wind over shifting direction or the waves of two storm systems meeting.
Cross
(archaic) across
She walked cross the mountains.
Cross
Cross product of the previous vector and the following vector.
The Lorentz force is q times v cross B.
Cross
To make or form a cross.
Cross
To place across or athwart; to cause to intersect.
She frowned and crossed her arms.
Cross
To lay or draw something across, such as a line.
To cross the letter t
Cross
To mark with an X.
Cross the box which applies to you.
Cross
To write lines of text at right angles to and over the top of one another in order to save paper.W
Cross
To make the sign of the cross over oneself.
Cross
(transitive) To make the sign of the cross over (something or someone).
Cross
To move relatively.
Cross
(transitive) To go from one side of (something) to the other.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
You need to cross the street at the lights.
Cross
(intransitive) To travel in a direction or path that will intersect with that of another.
Ships crossing from starboard have right-of-way.
Cross
(transitive) To pass, as objects going in an opposite direction at the same time.
Cross
(sports) Relative movement by a player or of players.
Cross
(social) To oppose.
Cross
(transitive) To contradict (another) or frustrate the plans of.
"You'll rue the day you tried to cross me, Tom Hero!" bellowed the villain.
Cross
To interfere and cut off ; to debar.
Cross
(legal) To conduct a cross examination; to question a hostile witness.
Cross
(biology) To cross-fertilize or crossbreed.
They managed to cross a sheep with a goat.
Cross
(transitive) To stamp or mark (a cheque) in such a way as to prevent it being cashed, thus requiring it to be deposited into a bank account.
Cross
A gibbet, consisting of two pieces of timber placed transversely upon one another, in various forms, as a T, or +, with the horizontal piece below the upper end of the upright, or as an X. It was anciently used in the execution of criminals.
Nailed to the crossBy his own nation.
Cross
Affiction regarded as a test of patience or virtue; trial; disappointment; opposition; misfortune.
Heaven prepares a good man with crosses.
Cross
A piece of money stamped with the figure of a cross, also, that side of such a piece on which the cross is stamped; hence, money in general.
I should bear no cross if I did bear you; for I think you have no money in your purse.
Cross
An appendage or ornament or anything in the form of a cross; a badge or ornamental device of the general shape of a cross; hence, such an ornament, even when varying considerably from that form; thus, the Cross of the British Order of St. George and St. Michael consists of a central medallion with seven arms radiating from it.
Cross
A monument in the form of a cross, or surmounted by a cross, set up in a public place; as, a market cross; a boundary cross; Charing Cross in London.
Dun-Edin's Cross, a pillared stone,Rose on a turret octagon.
Cross
A common heraldic bearing, of which there are many varieties. See the Illustration, above.
Cross
The crosslike mark or symbol used instead of a signature by those unable to write.
Five Kentish abbesses . . . .subscribed their names and crosses.
Cross
Church lands.
Cross
A line drawn across or through another line.
Cross
A mixing of breeds or stock, especially in cattle breeding; or the product of such intermixture; a hybrid of any kind.
Toning down the ancient Viking into a sort of a cross between Paul Jones and Jeremy Diddler.
Cross
An instrument for laying of offsets perpendicular to the main course.
Cross
A pipe-fitting with four branches the axes of which usually form's right angle.
Cross
Not parallel; lying or falling athwart; transverse; oblique; intersecting.
The cross refraction of the second prism.
Cross
Not accordant with what is wished or expected; interrupting; adverse; contrary; thwarting; perverse.
The cross and unlucky issue of my design.
The article of the resurrection seems to lie marvelously cross to the common experience of mankind.
We are both love's captives, but with fates so cross,One must be happy by the other's loss.
Cross
Characterized by, or in a state of, peevishness, fretfulness, or ill humor; as, a cross man or woman.
He had received a cross answer from his mistress.
Cross
Made in an opposite direction, or an inverse relation; mutually inverse; interchanged; as, cross interrogatories; cross marriages, as when a brother and sister marry persons standing in the same relation to each other.
Cross
Athwart; across.
A fox was taking a walk one night cross a village.
Cross
To put across or athwart; to cause to intersect; as, to cross the arms.
Cross
To lay or draw something, as a line, across; as, to cross the letter t.
Cross
To pass from one side to the other of; to pass or move over; to traverse; as, to cross a stream.
A hunted hare . . . crosses and confounds her former track.
Cross
To pass, as objects going in an opposite direction at the same time.
Cross
To run counter to; to thwart; to obstruct; to hinder; to clash or interfere with.
In each thing give him way; cross him in nothing.
An oyster may be crossed in love.
Cross
To interfere and cut off; to debar.
To cross me from the golden time I look for.
Cross
To make the sign of the cross upon; - followed by the reflexive pronoun; as, he crossed himself.
Cross
To cancel by marking crosses on or over, or drawing a line across; to erase; - usually with out, off, or over; as, to cross out a name.
Cross
To cause to interbreed; - said of different stocks or races; to mix the breed of.
Cross
To lie or be athwart.
Cross
To move or pass from one side to the other, or from place to place; to make a transit; as, to cross from New York to Liverpool.
Cross
To be inconsistent.
Men's actions do not always cross with reason.
Cross
To interbreed, as races; to mix distinct breeds.
If two individuals of distinct races cross, a third is invariably produced different from either.
Cross
A wooden structure consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece
Cross
Marking consisting of crossing lines
Cross
A cross as an emblem of Christianity; used in heraldry
Cross
Any affliction that causes great suffering;
That is his cross to bear
He bears his afflictions like a crown of thorns
Cross
An organism that is the offspring of genetically dissimilar parents or stock; especially offspring produced by breeding plants or animals of different varieties or breeds or species;
A mule is a cross between a horse and a donkey
Cross
(genetics) the act of mixing different species or varieties of animals or plants and thus to produce hybrids
Cross
Travel across or pass over;
The caravan covered almost 100 miles each day
Cross
Meet at a point
Cross
Hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of;
What ultimately frustrated every challenger was Ruth's amazing September surge
Foil your opponent
Cross
Fold so as to resemble a cross;
She crossed her legs
Cross
To cover or extend over an area or time period;
Rivers traverse the valley floor
The parking lot spans 3 acres
The novel spans three centuries
Cross
Meet and pass;
The trains crossed
Cross
Trace a line through or across;
Cross your `t'
Cross
Breed animals or plants using parents of different races and varieties;
Cross a horse and a donkey
Mendel tried crossbreeding
These species do not interbreed
Cross
Extending or lying across; in a crosswise direction; at right angles to the long axis;
Cross members should be all steel
From the transverse hall the stairway ascends gracefully
Transversal vibrations
Transverse colon
Cross
Perversely irritable
Common Curiosities
What does the cross symbolize?
The cross symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, representing sacrifice, redemption, and the Christian faith.
How are crosses used in modern times?
Crosses are used in religious practices, as symbols of faith, in art, and as motifs in jewelry and architecture.
Has the meaning of the ankh changed over time?
While rooted in ancient Egyptian beliefs about life and the afterlife, the ankh has been adopted by New Age and alternative spirituality movements, symbolizing wisdom and insight.
Can the cross be found in cultures outside of Christianity?
Yes, the cross appears in various forms and contexts outside of Christianity, including as a symbol of protection, in flags, and in cultural artifacts.
What is the significance of the ankh in ancient Egypt?
The ankh symbolizes life and immortality, representing the key of life in ancient Egyptian culture.
Do both symbols have a single, unified meaning?
While each symbol has a core meaning, their interpretations can vary based on context, culture, and individual beliefs.
Are there any specific rituals associated with the ankh in ancient Egypt?
The ankh was used in ceremonies and depicted in art to signify divine life-giving power and the afterlife.
Are ankhs worn as jewelry?
Yes, ankhs are often worn as jewelry, like necklaces or earrings, symbolizing life and protection.
How do people today perceive the cross and the ankh?
Perceptions vary, with some viewing them as religious or spiritual symbols, while others see them as historical or cultural icons.
Is the ankh used in any religious practices today?
The ankh is not central to modern religious practices but is used in spiritual and New Age contexts for its symbolic value.
What is the difference between a Latin cross and a Greek cross?
A Latin cross has a longer vertical arm, while a Greek cross has arms of equal length, representing different aspects of Christianity.
Can the ankh symbolize anything besides life?
Besides life, the ankh also represents the concept of eternal life and the balance of opposites, reflecting ancient Egyptian beliefs.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
