Seal vs. Seel: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 4, 2023
A seal is a marine mammal or a stamp of authenticity; seel refers to sewing shut the eyes of a bird of prey.
Difference Between Seal and Seel
Seal and seel are two distinct words in the English language with separate meanings and uses. The term "seal" can denote a marine mammal known for its flippers and often seen lounging on shores or ice floes. On the other hand, seel is a rather archaic term that pertains to the act of sewing shut the eyes of a bird of prey, primarily during its training phase.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
The word "seal" has other usages beyond the aquatic animal. It can also refer to a device or substance used to close or secure something, ensuring it remains closed. This could be in the context of a letter, a container, or a pact. Conversely, "seel" has limited use and is primarily associated with falconry, highlighting the vast difference in their applications and familiarity to the general public.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Further delving into the multifaceted nature of "seal," it can also symbolize a mark or emblem that signifies authenticity, approval, or identity. This might be a wax seal pressed onto official documents in historical contexts. In contrast, "seel" remains very specific in its definition and is not commonly encountered in day-to-day English.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Even in literature or creative expressions, "seal" finds varied applications. It could signify a commitment, an agreement, or a promise, often used metaphorically. However, seel because of its specialized nature, doesn't find as broad a representation in general literary or daily expressions.
William
Sep 04, 2023
While both words exist in the English dictionary, "seal" has a more expansive and varied definition range, touching both the natural world and human-made concepts. On the flip, seel is more niche, offering a glimpse into the ancient practices of bird training.
Elijah
Sep 04, 2023
Seal vs. Seel Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
A marine mammal or a device/substance.
To sew shut the eyes of a bird of prey.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Seal vs. Seel Definitions
◉Seal
A marine animal with flippers, especially of the family Phocidae.
I spotted a seal sunbathing on the icy shore.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
◉Seel
A method used in falconry to keep birds calm.
Seeling is an ancient practice that not all falconers use today.
Jonathan
Sep 04, 2023
◉Seal
An emblem or symbol representing authenticity.
The diploma had the university's seal at the bottom.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
◉Seel
To sew shut the eyes of a falcon or other bird of prey.
The falconer decided to seel the hawk during its training.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
◉Seal
To confirm or make something binding.
Their handshake was a way to seal the deal.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
◉Seel
To close or shut, especially the eyes.
He would seel his eyes to the outside world's distractions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
◉Seal
A device or material that is used to close off or fasten an opening or connection, especially to prevent the escape of a liquid or gas
used caulk as a seal around the window.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seel
To blind or make blindfolded.
The captors would seel their captives during transport.
Jonathan
Sep 04, 2023
◉Seal
Something, such as a piece of tape, that is placed on a product or package to show that the contents have not been tampered with.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
The water in the trap of a drain that prevents sewer gas from escaping into a room.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
A design used to identify a person or thing or to show that something is authentic, accurate, or of good quality
The title page is marked with the publisher's seal. Does the scale have the inspector's seal?.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
A die or signet having a raised or incised emblem used to stamp an impression on a receptive substance such as wax or lead.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
The design or emblem itself, belonging exclusively to the user
a monarch's seal.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seel
To close the eyes of (a hawk or other bird) by drawing through the lids threads which were fastened over the head.
Fools climb to fall: fond hopes, like seeled doves for want of better light, mount till they end their flight with falling.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
A small disk or wafer of wax, lead, or paper bearing such an imprint and affixed to a document to prove authenticity or to secure it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seel
Hence, to shut or close, as the eyes; to blind.
Come, seeling night,Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day.
Cold death, with a violent fate, his sable eyes did seel.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
An indication or symbol regarded as guaranteeing or authenticating something
The choral director gave the program his seal of approval.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
Any of various aquatic carnivorous mammals of the families Phocidae and Otariidae, found chiefly in cold regions and having a sleek torpedo-shaped body and limbs that are modified into paddlelike flippers.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seel
Good fortune; favorable opportunity; prosperity. [Obs.] "So have I seel".
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
To prevent (a liquid or gas) from escaping
Charring a piece of meat seals in the juices.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seel
A technique for taming and training birds.
Old manuscripts detail how to properly seel a bird for its welfare.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
◉Seal
To cover, secure, or fill up (an opening)
sealed the hole in the pipe with epoxy.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
To secure or prevent passage into and out of (an area). Often used with off
The police sealed off the crime scene.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
To affix a seal to (something) in order to prove authenticity, accuracy, or quality.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
Mormon Church To make (a marriage, for example) eternally binding; solemnize forever.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
A pinniped (Pinnipedia), particularly an earless seal (true seal) or eared seal.
The seals in the harbor looked better than they smelled.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
(heraldry) A bearing representing a creature something like a walrus.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
An impression of such stamp on wax, paper or other material used for sealing.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
A design or insignia usually associated with an organization or an official role.
The front of the podium bore the presidential seal.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
Something which will be visibly damaged if a covering or container is opened, and which may or may not bear an official design.
The result was declared invalid, as the seal on the meter had been broken.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
(figurative) Confirmation or approval, or an indication of this.
Her clothes always had her mom's seal of approval.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
Something designed to prevent liquids or gases from leaking through a joint.
The canister is leaking. I think the main seal needs to be replaced.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
A tight closure, secure against leakage.
Close the lid tightly to get a good seal.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
(intransitive) To hunt seals.
They're organizing a protest against sealing.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
To mark with a stamp, as an evidence of standard exactness, legal size, or merchantable quality.
to seal weights and measures
to seal silverware
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
(transitive) To fasten (something) so that it cannot be opened without visible damage.
The cover is sealed. If anyone tries to open it, we'll know about it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
(transitive) To prevent people or vehicles from crossing (something).
The border has been sealed until the fugitives are found.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
(transitive) To close securely to prevent leakage.
I've sealed the bottle to keep the contents fresh.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
(transitive) To place in a sealed container.
I've sealed the documents in this envelope.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
To place a notation of one's next move in a sealed envelope to be opened after an adjournment.
After thinking for half an hour, the champion sealed his move.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
An engraved or inscribed stamp, used for marking an impression in wax or other soft substance, to be attached to a document, or otherwise used by way of authentication or security.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
Wax, wafer, or other tenacious substance, set to an instrument, and impressed or stamped with a seal; as, to give a deed under hand and seal.
Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bondThou but offend'st thy lungs to speak so loud.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
That which seals or fastens; esp., the wax or wafer placed on a letter or other closed paper, etc., to fasten it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
That which confirms, ratifies, or makes stable; that which authenticates; that which secures; assurance.
Like a red seal is the setting sunOn the good and the evil men have done.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
An arrangement for preventing the entrance or return of gas or air into a pipe, by which the open end of the pipe dips beneath the surface of water or other liquid, or a deep bend or sag in the pipe is filled with the liquid; a draintrap.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
To set or affix a seal to; hence, to authenticate; to confirm; to ratify; to establish; as, to seal a deed.
And with my hand I seal my true heart's love.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
To mark with a stamp, as an evidence of standard exactness, legal size, or merchantable quality; as, to seal weights and measures; to seal silverware.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
To fasten with a seal; to attach together with a wafer, wax, or other substance causing adhesion; as, to seal a letter.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
Hence, to shut close; to keep close; to make fast; to keep secure or secret.
Seal up your lips, and give no words but "mum".
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
To fix, as a piece of iron in a wall, with cement, plaster, or the like.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
To close by means of a seal; as, to seal a drainpipe with water. See 2d Seal, 5.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
Among the Mormons, to confirm or set apart as a second or additional wife.
If a man once married desires a second helpmate . . . she is sealed to him under the solemn sanction of the church.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
a device incised to make an impression; used to secure a closing or to authenticate documents
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
a member of a Naval Special Warfare unit who is trained for unconventional warfare;
SEAL is an acronym for Sea Air and Land
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
a stamp affixed to a document (as to attest to its authenticity or to seal it);
the warrant bore the sheriff's seal
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
any of numerous marine mammals that come on shore to breed; chiefly of cold regions
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seal
A device or material that closes or secures.
She placed a seal on the envelope before mailing it.
Jonathan
Sep 04, 2023
◉Seal
To close or fasten securely.
Make sure to seal the jar tightly after using.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Seal vs. Seel Frequently Asked Questions
Can the word seal also refer to an emblem?
Yes, a seal can denote an emblem or symbol representing authenticity or authority.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
What is a seal in the context of animals?
A seal is a marine mammal, especially of the family Phocidae, known for its flippers.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
What does seel mean in falconry?
Seel means to sew shut the eyes of a bird of prey, often during its training.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
In what other contexts can seel be used?
Seel can also metaphorically refer to closing or shutting, especially the eyes or shutting out distractions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Is seel exclusive to birds of prey?
Primarily, yes. Seeling is predominantly a technique used in the falconry context with birds of prey.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Is seel a commonly used word?
No, seel is a relatively archaic term, primarily associated with falconry and not frequently used in modern English.
Leo
Sep 04, 2023
Do all falconers still use the practice of seeling?
No, seeling is an ancient practice, and many modern falconers opt against it due to animal welfare concerns.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
How can seal be used as a verb?
Seal, as a verb, means to close or fasten securely, like sealing an envelope.
William
Sep 04, 2023
How is a seal different from a sea lion?
While both are marine mammals, seals typically have shorter, stubbier flippers and lack external ear flaps, unlike sea lions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Can seal also mean an agreement?
Yes, to "seal a deal" means to confirm or finalize an agreement or arrangement.
Henry
Sep 04, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
