Definition

Relating to the use of images or symbols to represent ideas or concepts, often in a religious or artistic context.

Example

The museum's exhibit featured iconographic art that depicted various religious themes.

Conversation

Have you seen that new art exhibit downtown?

Yeah, I went last weekend! The iconographic pieces were really fascinating.

I heard they focus a lot on cultural symbols.

Exactly! It made me think about how art can tell stories.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Iconographic → It is formed from "icon" (from Greek "eikon", meaning image or likeness) and "-graphic" (from Greek "graphia", meaning writing or representation). The word refers to the representation or description of images, particularly in art and symbolism.

Memory Tip

Think of 'icon' meaning an image and '-graphic' relating to writing or representation — this helps you remember that 'iconographic' refers to the representation of images.

Visually Confused Words