Emblems and crests are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Understanding the difference between the two can help you choose the right word for your needs.
An emblem is a symbol that represents a person, group, or organization. It can be a picture, a design, or a combination of both. Emblems are often used in logos, on flags, or as part of a coat of arms. They are usually simple and easy to recognize.
A crest, on the other hand, is a specific type of emblem that is used to represent a family, clan, or other group. It is typically a design that is placed on top of a helmet or other piece of armor. The crest often includes symbols that represent the group’s history or accomplishments.
While the terms emblem and crest are often used interchangeably, it is important to understand the difference between the two. Choosing the right word can help you convey the right message and make your writing more effective.
Define Emblem
An emblem is a symbolic representation of an idea or concept. It is typically a design or image that represents a group, organization, or individual. Emblems can be used for various purposes, including identification, branding, and recognition.
Emblems can be simple or complex, consisting of one or more elements. They can be made up of shapes, colors, letters, or other graphic elements. Emblems are often used in logos, flags, and seals.
Some examples of emblems include the Nike Swoosh, the Red Cross, and the United Nations logo. These emblems are instantly recognizable and are associated with their respective organizations.
Define Crest
A crest is a specific type of emblem that is typically associated with a family, clan, or organization. It is a heraldic device that is used to identify and distinguish members of a particular group.
Crests are often displayed on shields, banners, or flags. They are typically made up of a combination of symbols, including animals, plants, and other objects, that represent the history and values of the group.
Crests are often used in coat of arms, which are used to identify noble families and individuals. They are also used in military insignia and other official symbols.
Some examples of crests include the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, the coat of arms of the city of Paris, and the coat of arms of the state of New York.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing about heraldry, it is important to use the correct terminology to accurately describe the various elements. Two commonly used terms are emblem and crest. While they may seem interchangeable, they actually have distinct meanings and uses in the world of heraldry.
How To Use “Emblem” In A Sentence
An emblem is a design or symbol that represents a particular person, group, or organization. It is often used as a visual representation of an idea or concept. Here are some examples of how to use “emblem” in a sentence:
- The eagle is the emblem of the United States.
- The company’s emblem features a stylized letter “M”.
- The school’s emblem includes a shield and a book.
As you can see, “emblem” is used to refer to a specific design or symbol that is representative of something else. It is often used in the context of logos, flags, and other visual representations.
How To Use “Crest” In A Sentence
A crest is a specific type of emblem that is used in heraldry. It is typically placed atop a coat of arms and features a specific design or symbol that represents the individual or family. Here are some examples of how to use “crest” in a sentence:
- The family crest features a lion and a crown.
- The knight wore a helmet with a crest on top.
- The school’s crest includes a shield, a book, and a motto.
As you can see, “crest” is used specifically in the context of heraldry to refer to a design or symbol that is placed atop a coat of arms. It is often used to represent a particular family or individual.
More Examples Of Emblem & Crest Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between emblem and crest, let’s take a look at some examples of how they are used in sentences.
Examples Of Using Emblem In A Sentence
- The company’s emblem is a green clover.
- The school’s emblem features a lion and a book.
- The emblem on the car’s hood was a golden eagle.
- The team’s emblem is a red and black shield.
- The organization’s emblem is a blue and white star.
- The emblem on the uniform was a black and gold skull.
- The company’s emblem is a stylized letter “A”.
- The emblem on the flag was a red and yellow sun.
- The team’s emblem is a green and white shamrock.
- The organization’s emblem is a black and silver serpent.
Examples Of Using Crest In A Sentence
- The family’s crest features a white swan on a blue background.
- The school’s crest includes a Latin motto and a shield.
- The crest on the coat of arms is a golden griffin.
- The team’s crest is a red and white star.
- The organization’s crest is a black and gold eagle.
- The crest on the ring was a green and silver dragon.
- The family’s crest features a red and white rose.
- The crest on the flag was a blue and gold lion.
- The team’s crest is a black and white wolf.
- The organization’s crest is a purple and gold crown.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to heraldry, the terms emblem and crest are often used interchangeably, but this is a mistake. Here are some common mistakes people make when using emblem and crest interchangeably, with explanations of why they are incorrect:
Mistake #1: Using Emblem And Crest Interchangeably
As mentioned before, emblem and crest are not the same thing. An emblem is a design that represents an organization or group, while a crest is a specific type of emblem that is typically placed on top of a helmet or shield. Using these terms interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
Mistake #2: Confusing A Coat Of Arms With A Crest
A coat of arms is a complete heraldic achievement that includes a shield, crest, helmet, and mantling. The crest is just one part of the coat of arms, and it is placed on top of the helmet. Confusing the two can lead to incorrect usage and misunderstandings.
Mistake #3: Using A Family Crest Without Proper Authorization
Many people believe that they have a family crest that they can use, but this is often not the case. In most cases, a crest is granted to an individual, not a family. Using a crest without proper authorization can be seen as disrespectful and may even be illegal in some cases.
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Do your research and make sure you understand the differences between an emblem and a crest.
- Be careful when using heraldic terms and make sure you are using them correctly.
- If you want to use a crest, make sure you have the proper authorization to do so.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between an emblem and a crest, context is a crucial factor to consider. Depending on the context in which they are used, the choice between emblem and crest might change. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice might vary:
Corporate Branding
In the world of corporate branding, the choice between emblem and crest can depend on the company’s history, values, and target audience. An emblem may be more suitable for a modern, tech-savvy brand that wants to convey innovation and progress. On the other hand, a crest may be a better fit for a traditional, established brand that wants to emphasize its heritage and prestige. For example, Apple uses an emblem with a bitten apple to represent its sleek and innovative products, while Harvard University uses a crest with a shield and motto to symbolize its academic excellence and tradition.
Sports Teams
When it comes to sports teams, the choice between emblem and crest can depend on the team’s identity, fan base, and sport. An emblem may be more appropriate for a team that wants to convey speed, power, or aggression, while a crest may be more fitting for a team that wants to emphasize its history, tradition, or elegance. For example, the Chicago Bulls use an emblem with a charging bull to represent their strength and competitiveness, while Manchester United uses a crest with a devil and motto to symbolize their success and prestige.
Heraldry
In the realm of heraldry, the choice between emblem and crest can depend on the bearer’s rank, lineage, and purpose. An emblem may be more common for a lower-ranking individual or a non-noble entity, while a crest may be more prevalent for a higher-ranking individual or a noble family. For example, the emblem of the United States is the bald eagle, which represents freedom and power, while the crest of the British Royal Family is a crowned lion, which represents royalty and courage.
As you can see, the context in which emblem and crest are used can significantly impact the choice between the two. Whether you are designing a logo, creating a coat of arms, or choosing a symbol for your organization, it is essential to consider the context and choose the option that best aligns with your values, goals, and audience.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using emblem and crest are generally well-defined, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:
1. Military Insignia
In military insignia, the terms emblem and crest are often used interchangeably. However, there are some subtle differences in their meanings. In some cases, an emblem might be used to represent an entire military unit, while a crest might be used to represent a specific division or battalion within that unit. For example, the emblem of the United States Marine Corps features an eagle, globe, and anchor, while the crest of the 1st Marine Division features a blue diamond with a red one inside it.
2. Family Heraldry
In family heraldry, the terms emblem and crest are used to describe different parts of a coat of arms. An emblem might refer to the central design element of the coat of arms, while a crest might refer to the decorative element above the helmet. However, there are many variations and exceptions to these rules depending on the specific family and region. For example, the coat of arms of the British Royal Family features both an emblem (a lion standing on its hind legs) and a crest (a golden crown topped with crosses).
3. Branding And Marketing
In branding and marketing, the terms emblem and crest might be used more loosely to describe any type of logo or symbol used to represent a company or product. In this context, there are few hard and fast rules about how the terms should be used. However, some companies might choose to use one term over the other based on the connotations they want to evoke. For example, a luxury car brand might use a crest to emphasize its heritage and tradition, while a sports brand might use an emblem to emphasize its athleticism and energy.
Overall, while the terms emblem and crest have specific meanings in certain contexts, there are also many exceptions and variations to these rules. Understanding these nuances can help you choose the right term to use in any given situation.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between emblems and crests, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences:
Exercise 1: Identify The Emblem Or Crest
| Sentence | Emblem or Crest? |
|---|---|
| The eagle on the shield represents strength and courage. | Crest |
| The company logo features a lion with a crown. | Emblem |
| The school’s emblem includes a book and a torch. | Emblem |
| The family crest features a stag and a tree. | Crest |
Answer Key: 1. Crest; 2. Emblem; 3. Emblem; 4. Crest
Exercise 2: Use Emblem Or Crest In A Sentence
Fill in the blank with either “emblem” or “crest” to complete the sentence.
- The ________ of the royal family includes a unicorn and a lion.
- The ________ of the military unit is a bald eagle with outstretched wings.
- The ________ of the school is a shield with a torch and an open book.
- The ________ of the city features a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Answer Key: 1. Crest; 2. Emblem; 3. Emblem; 4. Emblem
By practicing with these exercises, you’ll be able to confidently differentiate between emblems and crests in your writing and speech.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between emblems and crests, it is clear that these two terms are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct meanings. Emblems are symbols that represent a group or organization, while crests are a specific type of emblem that includes a shield and other elements that represent a family or individual.
It is important to understand the differences between these terms, especially when it comes to creating logos or designing coats of arms. By using the correct terminology, you can ensure that your design accurately represents the intended meaning and message.
Key Takeaways
- Emblems are symbols that represent a group or organization.
- Crests are a specific type of emblem that includes a shield and other elements that represent a family or individual.
- Understanding the differences between these terms is important for accurate logo and coat of arms design.
As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn. By continuing to study and explore these topics, you can improve your communication skills and enhance your understanding of the world around you.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.