Cool MateFigure vs Icon
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Figure
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Icon
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
| Figure | Icon | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈfɪɡə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈfɪɡjər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈaɪkɒn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈaɪkɑːn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A shape or form of something, or a person’s body. | A person or thing that represents something famous or important. |
| Example | I can see the figure of a man in the distance. | Click on the printer icon with the mouse. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | high, low, double, reach, exceed, add, add up, be bandied about, indicate something, according to (the) figures, in round figures, great, central, key, figure of, cloaked, hooded, masked, painter, drawing, painting, beautiful, fine, good, cut, have, keep, a fine figure of a man, a fine figure of a woman, refer to, see, illustrate something, show something | desktop, folder, network, click on, double-click on, right-click on, national, popular, cultural |
| Antonyms | formlessness, ambiguity | nobody, nonentity, unknown |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'figured' as in past tense., Using 'figure' when they mean 'figures' as in numbers., Misusing 'figure out' in contexts that don't require problem-solving. | Confusing 'icon' with 'idol'; an icon can be a symbol, while an idol is typically a person., Using 'icon' in a religious context without clarification; it can lead to misunderstandings., Saying 'an icon' before plural nouns, which is incorrect as 'icon' is singular. |
| Usage notes | Use 'figure' to describe both shapes (like in math) and people. Avoid in very casual conversations unless referring to a specific type of figure like a 'figure skate.' | Use 'icon' to describe someone or something that is widely recognized and admired. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious not to overuse it in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Figure vs Icon
What's the difference between Figure and Icon?
Figure: A shape or form of something, or a person’s body. Icon: A person or thing that represents something famous or important.
Which is more advanced: Figure and Icon?
Icon is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Figure and Icon the same CEFR level?
Figure: A2, Icon: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Figure and Icon?
Figure: noun, Icon: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Figure: I can see the figure of a man in the distance. Icon: Click on the printer icon with the mouse.
Can I use Figure and Icon interchangeably?
Not always. Figure and Icon are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.