What is the difference between a symbol and a sign?

Answer 1

All symbols are signs, but not all signs are symbols.

A sign is a perceptible indication of something not necessarily visible or even immediately apparent in other ways. 'One sign in the store window indicates they sell chocolate.'

A symbol is a perceptible signrepresenting something else. It mightn't be visible: it can be implied or heard, rather than seen. 'Another notice in the store window carries the symbol which indicates food is not to be eaten on the premises.'

Other examples:

The mule is frequently depicted as a symbol of stubbornness. To be stubborn is frequently considered a signof foolishness.

Shortness of breath might be a sign someone has been exercising. Exaggerated panting could be used as a symbolindicating thirst.

The theme music used as a symbol for a character in a movie might be played as a sign the character is approaching.

Communicating by email is a sign of the current times; the email symbol, now so familiar, was unknown twenty years ago.

The equals symbol represented by two parallel horizontal dashes, like this: = is a sign indicating quantities on either side are equal.

The dollar sign - $ - is frequently used alone, as a symbol for money.

There is a sign on the front desk with the international symbols for braille and sign language, indicating staff are trained in both languages.

Some truly believe a black cat is a symbol of good luck; others consider this a sign of mindless superstition.

A symbol of a cigarette, crossed with a bar, is used as a sign telling us smoking is prohibited in that area.

A sign of the zodiac is Scorpio. The symbol for Scorpio is a depiction of scorpion.

Some symbols, such as those used to depict zodiac signs, are frequently stylized to the extent that it's difficult to see what they are intended to represent.

Answer 2

A symbol carries a deeper or more abstract meaning, often representing an idea or concept beyond its literal interpretation. A sign, on the other hand, directly conveys a specific message or information without additional layers of meaning.