Aerial vs. Antenna: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Aerial" often refers to things in the air or operating overhead, while "Antenna" is a structure that receives or transmits electromagnetic waves. Both can relate to broadcasting, but in different contexts.
Key Differences
"Aerial" and "Antenna" are terms often used interchangeably in the realm of telecommunications, but they carry distinct meanings. "Aerial," in its broadest sense, relates to things in the air or operating from a high position. For instance, aerial photography involves taking photos from an elevated position, often from a drone or aircraft. In contrast, "Antenna" refers to a specific structure designed to receive or send electromagnetic waves.
Interestingly, in British English, "Aerial" is also used to describe the structure that picks up radio or TV signals, much like "Antenna" in American English. However, "Antenna" is more universal in its application across the globe. Beyond broadcasting, we see "Antenna" used in biology to describe the feelers found on the heads of insects, illustrating its varied usage.
In technological contexts, "Antenna" is the term most professionals use when referring to the device that transmits or receives signals, whether it's for radio, television, cell phones, or radar. "Aerial," on the other hand, when used in relation to broadcasting, tends to be more colloquial in nature, especially outside the United States.
Summing up, while both "Aerial" and "Antenna" have ties to broadcasting, their applications diverge. "Aerial" is about things in the air, while "Antenna" has a more specific technical application related to the transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Related to the air or overhead
A structure that sends or receives electromagnetic waves
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British Usage
Can mean a device for receiving TV or radio signals
Commonly understood as a signal-receiving device
American Usage
Less common for describing a broadcasting device
Predominantly used for signal-receiving/transmitting devices
Other Contexts
Aerial maneuvers, aerial photography
Insect feelers, car antenna
Nature
Broad in usage
Specific, especially in technical contexts
Aerial and Antenna Definitions
Aerial
Existing, happening, or operating in the air.
The aerial view of the city was breathtaking.
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Antenna
A device used for broadcasting or receiving.
I need to adjust the antenna to get better reception.
Aerial
A wire or rod used in telecommunication to transmit or receive radio or television signals.
The old radio still had a long aerial.
Antenna
A structure that receives or sends electromagnetic waves.
My car's antenna got bent in the car wash.
Aerial
Of or like an aeroplane.
Aerial transportation has revolutionized travel.
Antenna
The faculty of instinctively detecting and interpreting subtle signs.
Her social antenna was always tuned in to the slightest tension in a room.
Aerial
Of, in, or caused by the air.
Antenna
Either of a pair of long, thin sensory appendages on the heads of insects, crustaceans, and some other arthropods.
The butterfly's antenna was covered in tiny hairs.
Aerial
Existing or living in the air.
Antenna
(Zoology) One of the paired, flexible, segmented sensory appendages on the head of an insect, myriapod, or crustacean functioning primarily as an organ of touch.
Aerial
Reaching high into the air; lofty.
Antenna
Something likened to this sensory appendage, as in function or form
Sensitive public relations antennae.
Aerial
Suggestive of air, as in lightness; airy.
Antenna
A structure in a photosynthetic organism containing pigment molecules that absorb light energy and transfer it to a reaction center composed of proteins and pigments, where the light energy is converted into chemical energy.
Aerial
Unsubstantial; imaginary.
Antenna
Pl. an·ten·nas A metallic apparatus for sending or receiving electromagnetic waves such as radio waves.
Aerial
Of, for, or by means of aircraft
Aerial photography.
Antenna
A feeler organ on the head of an insect, crab, or other animal. 17
Aerial
(Botany) Growing or borne above the ground or water
Aerial roots.
Antenna
An apparatus to receive or transmit electromagnetic waves and convert respectively to or from an electrical signal.
Aerial
A radio antenna, especially one suspended in or extending into the air.
Antenna
(figurative) The faculty of intuitive astuteness.
Aerial
An acrobatic maneuver performed in midair, as in skateboarding.
Antenna
(biochemistry) A fragment of an oligosaccharide
Aerial
A flip in which the body turns over sideways with the arms and legs spread similar to a cartwheel.
Antenna
(nautical) The spar to which a lateen sail is attached, which is then hoisted up the mast.
Aerial
Living or taking place in the air.
The seabirds put on an astonishing aerial display.
Antenna
A movable, articulated organ of sensation, attached to the heads of insects and Crustacea. There are two in the former, and usually four in the latter. They are used as organs of touch, and in some species of Crustacea the cavity of the ear is situated near the basal joint. In insects, they are popularly called horns, and also feelers. The term in also applied to similar organs on the heads of other arthropods and of annelids.
Aerial
Made up of air or gas; gaseous.
Antenna
A metallic device, variously shaped, designed for the purpose of either transmitting or receiving radio waves, as for radio or television broadcasting, or for transmitting communication signals. Some types are: whip antenna, antenna tower, horn antenna, dish antenna, directional antenna and rabbit ears. See transmitter, receiver.
Aerial
Positioned high up; elevated.
The aerial photographs clearly showed the damage caused by the storm.
Antenna
An electrical device that sends or receives radio or television signals
Aerial
Ethereal, insubstantial; imaginary.
Antenna
Sensitivity similar to that of a receptor organ;
He had a special antenna for public relations
Aerial
Pertaining to the air or atmosphere; atmospheric.
Antenna
One of a pair of mobile appendages on the head of e.g. insects and crustaceans; typically sensitive to touch and taste
Aerial
(aviation) Pertaining to a vehicle which travels through the air; airborne; relating to or conducted by means of aircraft.
Antenna
A metal rod or wire used to transmit or receive radio or television signals.
The television's antenna is on the roof.
Aerial
(botany) Above the ground
Aerial
A rod, wire, or other structure for receiving or transmitting radio, television signals etc.
Aerial
A move, as in dancing or skateboarding, involving one or both feet leaving the ground.
Aerial
(photography) An aerial photograph.
Aerial
Of or pertaining to the air, or atmosphere; inhabiting or frequenting the air; produced by or found in the air; performed in the air; as, aërial regions or currents; the aërial maneuvers of a fighter plane.
Aerial
Consisting of air; resembling, or partaking of the nature of air. Hence: Unsubstantial; unreal.
Aerial
Rising aloft in air; high; lofty; as, aërial spires.
Aerial
Growing, forming, living, or existing in the air, as opposed to growing or existing in earth or water, or underground; as, aërial rootlets, aërial plants; the aerial roots of a philodendron.
Aerial
Light as air; ethereal.
Aerial
Operating or operated overhead especially on elevated cables.
Aerial
Operating or moving in the air.
Aerial
A pass to a receiver downfield from the passer.
Aerial
A metallic wire, rod, or combination of rods connected to an electronic device, designed to send or receive radio or television signals.
Aerial
A pass to a receiver downfield from the passer
Aerial
An electrical device that sends or receives radio or television signals
Aerial
In or belonging to the air or operating (for or by means of aircraft or elevated cables) in the air;
Aerial particles
Small aerial creatures such as butterflies
Aerial warfare
Aerial photography
Aerial cable cars
Aerial
Growing in air;
Aerial roots of a philodendron
Aerial
Characterized by lightness and insubstantiality; as impalpable or intangible as air;
Figures light and aeriform come unlooked for and melt away
Aerial fancies
An airy apparition
Physical rather than ethereal forms
Aerial
Elevated or lofty.
His aerial leaps during the dance impressed everyone.
Aerial
Conducted from the air.
Aerial bombardment decimated the area.
FAQs
A structure that receives or sends electromagnetic waves.
My car's antenna got bent in the car wash.
A metal rod or wire used to transmit or receive radio or television signals.
The television's antenna is on the roof.
Either of a pair of long, thin sensory appendages on the heads of insects, crustaceans, and some other arthropods.
The butterfly's antenna was covered in tiny hairs.
A device used for broadcasting or receiving.
I need to adjust the antenna to get better reception.
Can "Aerial" mean an Antenna in some contexts?
In British English, "Aerial" can mean a broadcasting device.
Do all insects have Antennae?
Most insects have antennae, used for sensing.
Can "Aerial" relate to photography?
Yes, aerial photography is taken from an elevated position, like a drone.
The faculty of instinctively detecting and interpreting subtle signs.
Her social antenna was always tuned in to the slightest tension in a room.
Are "Aerial" and "Antenna" interchangeable in American English?
Less so; "Antenna" is more common for broadcasting devices.
Can "Aerial" mean something lofty?
Yes, "Aerial" can describe something elevated or lofty.
Why would a car have an Antenna?
To receive radio signals.
Is there a difference between Aerial and Antenna?
Yes, "Aerial" relates to the air, while "Antenna" is a signal-receiving structure.
What's the primary purpose of an Antenna?
To transmit or receive electromagnetic waves.
What role does an Antenna play in telecommunications?
It's vital for sending and receiving signals.
Do all electronic devices have Antennae?
Only those that send or receive wireless signals.
Which term is more technically accurate for a TV signal receiver?
"Antenna" is more universally accurate.
Can an Antenna be found in nature?
Yes, on the heads of insects and some arthropods.
Can "Aerial" relate to war or conflict?
Yes, as in "aerial bombardment" from aircraft.
Can "Aerial" describe a type of dance move?
Yes, it can describe lofty leaps or maneuvers in dance.
Is "Aerial" photography taken from space?
No, that would be satellite imagery. "Aerial" is from aircraft or drones.
Can "Aerial" mean ethereal or dreamy?
It's not the primary meaning, but contextually it could imply loftiness.
Is an Antenna always visible on devices?
No, many modern devices have internal antennae.
Is "Aerial" always about something in the air?
Predominantly, but it also refers to a broadcasting device in British English.
Do modern cars still have visible Antennae?
Many have internal or smaller, streamlined antennae.
Is the plural of Antenna "Antennas" or "Antennae"?
"Antennas" for multiple devices; "Antennae" for insect appendages.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
