Meaning & use
iconic
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Meanings
adjectivecomparable
So famous and typical of something that people see it as a symbol of it.
Grammar: Before a noun or after be: an iconic photo.
Patterns
- iconic of something
The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark.
It is her most iconic role.
The song is iconic of the decade.
adjectivebefore a nountechnical
Relating to an icon or image that stands for something.
Grammar: Technical use in art and language.
Iconic signs look like what they mean.
The painting uses iconic symbols.
Word forms
| comparative | more iconic |
|---|---|
| superlative | most iconic |
Common combinations
- iconic image
- The iconic image shows the astronaut.
- iconic status
- The band reached iconic status.
- truly iconic
- A truly iconic moment.
- iconic landmark
- An iconic landmark of London.
Synonyms and how they differ
- legendary
- Famous and often of the past.
- famous
- Just well known, not symbolic.
- emblematic
- Formal; representing an idea.
- classic
- Excellent and lasting.
Opposites
Word family
- icon noun
- a famous symbol or person
- iconography noun
- the images used in a tradition
Commonly confused: iconic or ironic?
iconic vs ironic
Ironic means the opposite of expected; iconic means a famous symbol.
Practice
The red telephone box has become an ___ symbol of Britain.
Choose one answer.
Iconic means widely seen as a symbol. Ironic is about contrast.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “iconic”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.