Icon

A person admired as an outstanding and enduring representative of a field or ideal.

Reach for it when honoring someone whose reputation has become larger than one achievement

The pioneering climber became an icon of patient, low-impact exploration.

• everyday

  celebrity

  fame itself is the relevant fact

  not when Celebrity says nothing about excellence, influence, or enduring respect.

• warm

  legend

  a celebrated person's story has acquired lasting renown

  not when Legend can exaggerate achievement or imply that the account is partly mythical.

• warm

  role model

  the person's conduct offers an example to follow

  not when A role model may be little known, while an icon is publicly recognizable.

• formal

  luminary

  a distinguished expert gives a field intellectual prestige

  not when Luminary sounds ceremonial and does not suit popular culture naturally.

A sign or image that represents an idea, action, or object.

Reach for it when naming a compact visual symbol in design or cultural discussion

A small leaf icon marks every route with accessible shade.

• professional

  pictogram

  a simplified picture communicates practical information

  not when Pictogram is too technical for a revered cultural image.

• professional

  symbol

  representation matters more than visual resemblance

  not when Symbol can be abstract, while an icon is usually a concrete image.

• formal

  emblem

  an established device represents a group or quality

  not when Emblem suggests official or heraldic use that a screen icon lacks.

• unknown
• nonentity
• text label

• cultural icon

  The singer became a cultural icon without abandoning her regional style.

• design icon

  The chair remains a design icon because its structure is both clear and useful.

• click the icon

  Click the icon beside a route to hear its spoken description.

• screen icon

  The screen icon changes shape when the microphone is muted.