Cool MateMetaphor vs Symbol
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Metaphor
Symbol
| Metaphor | Symbol | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmetəfə(r)//ˈmetəfɔː(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmetəfər//ˈmetəfɔːr/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈsɪmbəl//🇺🇸 //ˈsɪmbəl// |
| Meaning | A way to describe something by saying it is something else, to create an image or idea. | A sign or picture that represents something else. |
| Example | a game of football used as a metaphor for the competitive struggle of life | The heart is a common symbol of love. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | appropriate, apt, good, employ, invoke, use, describe something, represent something, imply something, metaphor for, metaphor of | national symbol, cultural symbol, symbol of peace, mathematical symbol, symbolic meaning |
| Antonyms | literal, fact, reality | literal, actual, concrete |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'simile' which uses 'like' or 'as'., Using metaphors too literally in explanations., Failing to recognize metaphors in reading. | Confusing with 'sign', which is more general., Using 'symbol' only for images, forgetting it can represent ideas too., Omitting 'a' or 'the' before 'symbol' in sentences. |
| Usage notes | Used in literature, speeches, and everyday language. Avoid in very formal contexts where literal language is preferred. | Used frequently in writing and speech to represent ideas, concepts, or objects. Appropriate in academic, formal, and informal contexts. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Metaphor vs Symbol
What's the difference between Metaphor and Symbol?
Metaphor: A way to describe something by saying it is something else, to create an image or idea. Symbol: A sign or picture that represents something else.
Which is more common: Metaphor and Symbol?
Symbol is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Metaphor and Symbol?
Metaphor is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Metaphor and Symbol the same CEFR level?
Metaphor: B2, Symbol: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Metaphor and Symbol?
Metaphor: noun, Symbol: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Metaphor: a game of football used as a metaphor for the competitive struggle of life Symbol: The heart is a common symbol of love.
Can I use Metaphor and Symbol interchangeably?
Not always. Metaphor and Symbol 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.