Definition

A symbol or character that represents an idea or concept rather than a specific word or sound.

Example

In ancient cultures, an ideograph was often used to convey complex ideas through simple symbols.

Conversation

Have you ever seen an ideograph before?

Yeah, I think they're really interesting!

I love how they can convey meaning without words.

Exactly! It's amazing how much can be expressed visually.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ideograph → It is formed from "ideo-" (from Greek "idea", meaning form or concept) and "graph" (from Greek "grapho", meaning to write). The word "ideograph" refers to a written character that represents an idea or concept rather than a specific word or sound.

Memory Tip

Think of 'idea' ('ideo-') representing a concept and 'graph' meaning to write — an ideograph is a character that writes down an idea.

Visually Confused Words