Helm vs. Hem — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
"Helm" typically refers to the steering equipment of a ship or to a position of leadership. "Hem," on the other hand, refers to the edge of a piece of cloth or clothing that has been turned under and sewn.
Difference Between Helm and Hem
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Key Differences
"Helm" is used both literally, as in the steering gear of a ship, and metaphorically, to denote leadership or command, such as being at the "helm" of a company. "Hem" specifically relates to sewing, indicating the folded and sewn border of fabric to prevent unraveling and to provide a clean finish.
Operating at the "helm" implies guiding or controlling a course of action, much like steering a vessel. Altering a "hem," however, involves adjusting the length or finish of garments and does not influence direction but aesthetics and functionality.
"Helm" has connotations of responsibility and leadership, reflecting a position of guiding others. "Hem" connotes limitation and boundary, as it defines the edge and limits the extent of a fabric.
"Helm" originates from nautical terminology but is widely used to describe leadership roles across different sectors. "Hem," derived from Old English, relates to tailoring and garment-making, essential in fashion and design.
"Helm" often involves strategic decision-making and direction-setting, which affects many people or operations. "Hem" deals with detail and precision in a more focused or localized context, such as personal or home sewing projects.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Steering gear of a ship; leadership role
Sewn edge of fabric or garment
Symbolism
Control, direction, leadership
Boundary, finish, detail
Usage Context
Nautical, corporate leadership
Sewing, fashion, clothing maintenance
Connotation
Responsibility, guidance
Limitation, neatness
Practical Role
Directs a ship or organization
Finalizes the edges of a textile
Compare with Definitions
Helm
The steering apparatus of a ship or boat.
The captain stood at the helm, guiding the vessel through the storm.
Hem
The edge of a piece of cloth or clothing which is turned under and sewn.
She adjusted the hem of her skirt to make it shorter.
Helm
Synonymous with guiding or leading.
At the helm of the new initiative, he felt a great responsibility.
Hem
The boundary or limit of a specific area, often used metaphorically.
Living on the hem of the city, they enjoyed both urban and rural landscapes.
Helm
A position of leadership or control.
She took the helm of the company during a crucial time of change.
Hem
Used figuratively to imply setting boundaries.
They hemmed in their plans to focus on more immediate goals.
Helm
Used metaphorically to describe someone in control.
Under his helm, the project moved forward successfully.
Hem
To fold and sew the edge of fabric to prevent unraveling.
He quickly hemmed the curtains to fit the smaller window.
Helm
(Nautical) The steering gear of a ship, especially the tiller or wheel.
Hem
A hem in sewing is a garment finishing method, where the edge of a piece of cloth is folded and sewn to prevent unravelling of the fabric and to adjust the length of the piece in garments, such as at the end of the sleeve or the bottom of the garment.
Helm
A position of leadership or control
At the helm of the government.
Hem
An edge or border on a piece of cloth, especially a finished edge, as for a garment or curtain, made by folding an edge under and stitching it down.
Helm
A helmet.
Hem
The height or level of the bottom edge of a skirt, dress, or coat; a hemline.
Helm
To take the helm of; steer or direct.
Hem
A short cough or clearing of the throat made especially to gain attention, warn another, hide embarrassment, or fill a pause in speech.
Helm
To cover or furnish with a helmet.
Hem
To fold back and stitch down the edge of.
Helm
(nautical) The tiller (or, in a large ship, the wheel) which is used to control the rudder of a marine vessel; also, the entire steering apparatus of a vessel.
Hem
To surround and shut in; enclose
A valley hemmed in by mountains.
Helm
(by extension)
Hem
To utter a hem.
Helm
(nautical) The use of a helm (sense 1); also, the amount of space through which a helm is turned.
Hem
To hesitate in speech.
Helm
(nautical) The member of a vessel's crew in charge of steering the vessel; a helmsman or helmswoman.
Hem
Used to fill in the gap of a pause with a vocalized sound.
Helm
Something used to control or steer; also (obsolete), a handle of a tool or weapon; a haft, a helve.
Hem
An utterance or sound of the voice like "hem", often indicative of hesitation or doubt, sometimes used to call attention.
Helm
(figuratively)
Hem
(sewing) The border of an article of clothing doubled back and stitched together to finish the edge and prevent it from fraying.
Helm
A position of control or leadership.
The helm of the Commonwealth
Hem
A rim or margin of something.
Helm
One in the position of controlling or directing; a controller, a director, a guide.
Hem
In sheet metal design, a rim or edge folded back on itself to create a smooth edge and to increase strength or rigidity.
Helm
A helmet.
Hem
To make the sound expressed by the word hem; to hesitate in speaking.
Helm
(heraldry) helmet
Hem
To make a hem.
Helm
(by extension)
Hem
(transitive) To put hem on an article of clothing, to edge or put a border on something.
Helm
(Northern England) A shelter for cattle or other farm animals; a hemmel, a shed.
Hem
(transitive) To shut in, enclose, confine; to surround something or someone in a confining way.
A small yard hemmed about by a tall hedge.
Helm
A heavy cloud lying on the brow of a mountain, especially one associated with a storm.
Hem
Obsolete form of 'em
Helm
(obsolete)
Hem
Them
Helm
(countable) A stalk of corn, or (uncountable) stalks of corn collectively (that is, straw), especially when bundled together or laid out straight to be used for thatching roofs.
Hem
An onomatopoetic word used as an expression of hesitation, doubt, etc. It is often a sort of voluntary half cough, loud or subdued, and would perhaps be better expressed by hm.
Cough or cry hem, if anybody come.
Helm
(uncountable) haulm
Hem
An utterance or sound of the voice, hem or hm, often indicative of hesitation or doubt, sometimes used to call attention.
Helm
Synonym of bentgrass(“any of numerous reedy grass species of the genus Agrostis”)
Hem
The edge or border of a garment or cloth, doubled over and sewed, to strengthen it and prevent raveling.
Helm
(nautical) To control the helm (noun sense 1) of (a marine vessel); to be in charge of steering (a vessel).
Hem
Border; edge; margin.
Helm
(figuratively) To direct or lead (a project, etc.); to manage (an organization).
Hem
A border made on sheet-metal ware by doubling over the edge of the sheet, to stiffen it and remove the sharp edge.
Helm
To cover (a head) with a helmet; to provide (someone) with a helmet; to helmet.
Hem
To make the sound expressed by the word hem; hence, to hesitate in speaking.
Helm
(transitive) To lay out (stalks of corn, or straw) straight to be used for thatching roofs; to yelm.
Hem
To form a hem or border to; to fold and sew down the edge of.
Helm
See Haulm, straw.
Hem
To border; to edge
All the skirt aboutWas hemmed with golden fringe.
Helm
The apparatus by which a ship is steered, comprising rudder, tiller, wheel, etc.; - commonly used of the tiller or wheel alone.
Hem
Lap that forms a cloth border doubled back and stitched down
Helm
The place or office of direction or administration.
Hem
Fold over and sew together to provide with a hem;
Hem my skirt
Helm
One at the place of direction or control; a steersman; hence, a guide; a director.
The helms o' the State, who care for you like fathers.
Hem
Utter `hem' or `ahem'
Helm
A helve.
Helm
A helmet.
Helm
A heavy cloud lying on the brow of a mountain.
Helm
To steer; to guide; to direct.
The business he hath helmed.
A wild wave . . . overbears the bark,And him that helms it.
Helm
To cover or furnish with a helm or helmet.
She that helmed was in starke stours.
Helm
Steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered
Common Curiosities
Can "hem" refer to something other than sewing?
Metaphorically, it can refer to the limits or boundaries of non-physical spaces.
Can anyone be at the helm in a professional setting?
Typically, it refers to someone with sufficient authority and expertise.
Does being at the helm imply sole control?
Often, but not always. It generally suggests primary responsibility and direction.
How does one learn to hem effectively?
Basic sewing skills are usually sufficient, with practice improving precision.
Are there automated tools for hemming in modern tailoring?
Yes, several sewing machines have settings specifically for hemming efficiently.
Is adjusting a hem a simple process?
It can be straightforward or complex depending on the fabric and garment design.
What is the significance of a well-placed helm?
It's crucial for effective navigation and overall safety in maritime operations.
Is the term "helm" used outside of nautical contexts?
Yes, it's commonly used to refer to leadership positions in various sectors.
What does "hemmed in" mean?
It means to be surrounded or confined, often used to describe restricted movements or options.
Is leadership at the helm always visible?
Visible leadership is common, but some at the helm might operate behind the scenes.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
