Icon vs. Idol — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 5, 2024
An icon represents something or someone, while an idol is an object of worship.
Difference Between Icon and Idol
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An icon, in its broadest sense, is a symbol or representation that stands for its object by virtue of a resemblance or analogy to it. An idol, on the other hand, is typically an image or representation of a deity used as an object of worship. Idols are often associated with religions that practice the veneration of deities through images or statues.
While both icons and idols involve visual representations, their purposes diverge significantly. Icons are used more broadly to represent or symbolize a subject, idea, or entity, often serving as an aid to contemplation or understanding. In contrast, idols have a specific religious function as objects of worship and are intended to be venerated by believers.
Despite their differences, both icons and idols share the characteristic of being focal points for human thought and devotion, whether directed towards the divine, the symbolic, or the inspirational. The key distinction lies in the nature of the devotion: contemplative and symbolic for icons, and religious and worshipful for idols.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A representation or symbol of an object, concept, or person.
An image or representation worshiped as a deity.
Use
Religious contemplation, cultural symbolism, technology interface.
Religious worship, veneration.
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Context
Broader applications including religion, culture, technology.
Primarily religious, though extended metaphorically to any adored figure.
Purpose
To symbolize, represent, or aid in contemplation.
To embody a deity for worship and veneration.
Modern Usage
Refers to influential symbols or individuals in culture or technology.
Often used to describe excessive admiration towards a person.
Compare with Definitions
Icon
A symbolic representation in art or culture.
The dove is an icon of peace.
Idol
Someone idealized to an extreme extent.
The athlete became an idol for aspiring young sports enthusiasts.
Icon
A religious image used in practices of devotion.
Pilgrims venerated the ancient icon in the cathedral.
Idol
A person excessively adored by fans.
The pop star was treated like an idol by his followers.
Icon
A graphical symbol on a computer interface.
Click the trash bin icon to delete files.
Idol
A statue worshipped as a god.
The ancient temple housed numerous idols.
Icon
A person who epitomizes a concept or lifestyle.
She became an icon of the fashion world.
Idol
An object of uncritical devotion.
Wealth has become an idol for many in society.
Icon
A figure admired for their symbolic significance.
The scientist is considered an icon of innovation.
Idol
A representation of a deity used in religious ceremonies.
Offerings were placed before the idol during the ritual.
Icon
An icon (from the Greek εἰκών eikṓn 'image, resemblance') is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, in the cultures of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, the Roman Catholic, and certain Eastern Catholic churches. They are not simply artworks; "an icon is a sacred image used in religious devotion".
Idol
An image or representation of a god used as an object of worship.
Icon
A devotional painting of Christ or another holy figure, typically executed on wood and used ceremonially in the Byzantine and other Eastern Churches.
Idol
An image used as an object of worship.
Icon
A person or thing regarded as a representative symbol or as worthy of veneration
This iron-jawed icon of American manhood
Idol
A false god.
Icon
A symbol or graphic representation on a screen of a program, option, or window.
Idol
One that is adored, often blindly or excessively.
Icon
A sign which has a characteristic in common with the thing it signifies, for example the word snarl pronounced in a snarling way.
Idol
A graven image or representation of anything that is revered, or believed to convey spiritual power.
Icon
An image; a representation.
Idol
A cultural icon, or especially popular person.
Icon
A representation or picture of a sacred or sanctified Christian personage, traditionally used and venerated in the Eastern Church.
Idol
A popular entertainer, usually young, captivating and attractive, and often female, with an image of being close to fans.
Icon
An important and enduring symbol
"The disposable lighter is an icon of the throwaway mentality that began to take shape in the years following World War II" (Susan Freinkel).
Idol
(obsolete) An eidolon or phantom; something misleading or elusive.
Icon
One who is the object of great attention and devotion; an idol
"He is ... a pop icon designed and manufactured for the video generation" (Harry F. Waters).
Idol
An image or representation of anything.
Do her adore with sacred reverence,As th' idol of her maker's great magnificence.
Icon
(Computers) A picture on a screen that represents a specific file, directory, window, option, or program.
Idol
An image of a divinity; a representation or symbol of a deity or any other being or thing, made or used as an object of worship; a similitude of a false god.
That they should not worship devils, and idols of gold.
Icon
An image, symbol, picture, or other representation usually as an object of religious devotion.
Idol
That on which the affections are strongly (often excessively) set; an object of passionate devotion; a person or thing greatly loved or adored.
The soldier's god and people's idol.
Icon
A type of religious painting portraying a saint or scene from Scripture, often done on wooden panels.
Idol
A false notion or conception; a fallacy.
The idols of preconceived opinion.
Icon
(by extension) A person or thing that is the best example of a certain profession or some doing.
That man is an icon in the business; he personifies loyalty and good business sense.
Idol
A material effigy that is worshipped as a god;
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
Money was his god
Icon
(graphical user interface) A small picture that represents something.
Click the loudspeaker icon to configure audio settings.
Idol
Someone who is adored blindly and excessively
Icon
A word, character, or sign whose form reflects and is determined by the referent; onomatopoeic words are necessarily all icons.
Idol
An ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept
Icon
An image or representation; a portrait or pretended portrait.
Netherlands whose names and icons are published.
Icon
A sacred picture representing the Virgin Mary, Christ, a saint, or a martyr, and having the same function as an image of such a person in the Latin Church. The term is used especially for a highly stylized and conventionalized representation of a holy person, rich in symbolism and used in devotional services in many of the eastern Orthodox churches, especially the Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches.
Icon
A symbol, especially a symbol whose form suggests its meaning or the object it represents.
Icon
A graphical symbol for a data object whose form suggests the nature or function of the object; especially, such a symbol as viewed on the computer screen.
Icon
Any object of uncritical devotion.
The former congresswoman and Vice-Presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro is still an icon to many party members.
Icon
An outstanding example of something which has come to represent the class of things to which it belongs; a paragon; used of persons as well as objects.
Icon
(computer science) a graphic symbol (usually a simple picture) that denotes a program or a command or a data file or a concept in a graphical user interface
Icon
A visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface;
They showed us the pictures of their wedding
A movie is a series of images projected so rapidly that the eye integrates them
Icon
A conventional religious painting in oil on a small wooden panel; venerated in the Eastern Church
Common Curiosities
Can icons be religious?
Yes, in many religions, icons are sacred artworks representing divine figures and are used as aids in prayer and meditation.
How do icons function in technology?
In technology, icons are graphical symbols on digital interfaces that help users navigate software applications more intuitively.
Is idol worship common in all religions?
Idol worship is specific to certain religious traditions and is not universally practiced across all religions.
What is an icon?
An icon is a symbol or representation that embodies the essence of its subject, used in various contexts from religion to technology.
What is the difference between idolizing a person and admiring them?
Idolizing a person involves an intense or excessive devotion that can resemble worship, whereas admiring someone recognizes their qualities or achievements without such extremity.
Are idols always physical objects?
While idols are often physical objects like statues or images, the term can also metaphorically refer to people or concepts held in high esteem.
Can icons change over time?
Yes, the significance and interpretation of icons can evolve with cultural shifts and new societal values.
Why might someone be called a cultural icon?
A person may be called a cultural icon if they significantly influence society or embody specific qualities or values admired by the public.
How do people interact with icons and idols?
Interaction with icons involves contemplation, admiration, or use as a guide, whereas interaction with idols involves acts of worship and veneration.
What defines an idol?
An idol is primarily an object of religious worship, often a statue or image of a deity, but can also refer to a person excessively admired.
Can the concept of an idol be positive?
While idolatry is often viewed critically, especially in religious contexts, idolizing someone in a secular context can simply reflect deep admiration or inspiration.
What makes a person an icon or idol in popular culture?
A person becomes an icon or idol in popular culture through their impact, influence, or embodiment of certain ideals or attributes that resonate widely with the public.
Is it possible for an icon to become an idol?
An icon can become an idol if it transitions from being a symbol of something to being worshipped or revered to an extent that it becomes an object of devotion.
How do icons and idols influence society?
Icons and idols can significantly influence cultural norms, values, and behaviors by embodying ideals, beliefs, or attributes that people aspire to or venerate.
What role do icons play in art?
In art, icons serve as powerful expressions of ideas, beliefs, or historical events, often carrying deep symbolic meanings.
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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
Maham Liaqat
