Seal vs. Stamp: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A seal is an emblem or device used to authenticate documents, often leaving a raised impression, while a stamp is a tool that imprints inked symbols or text, typically for marking documents.
Key Differences
A seal, traditionally made of wax, is used to authenticate documents or close envelopes, leaving a raised design or emblem. A stamp, on the other hand, is an ink-imparting tool used to mark documents or objects with a specific symbol, date, or text.
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Nov 11, 2023
Seals are often associated with legal documents, signifying official approval or authentication. Stamps are more versatile, used in various contexts, from postage to date marking in offices.
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In historical contexts, seals carried significant importance in verifying the authenticity of a document. Modern stamps, while also used for authentication, are more commonly used for routine tasks like acknowledging receipt.
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The creation of a seal involves embossing a design, often using wax, clay, or embossing devices. Stamps generally involve ink and are used to imprint designs or text on a flat surface.
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Seals have a formal, often ceremonial connotation, linked to authority and tradition. Stamps, being more commonplace, are used in everyday activities like mailing or administrative paperwork.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Material
Traditionally wax, clay, or paper
Rubber or polymer with ink
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Usage Context
Authentication, legal documents
Marking documents, postage, date marking
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Historical Significance
High, especially in legal and official documents
Varied, from postage to administrative uses
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Seal and Stamp Definitions
Seal
A symbol or emblem used for authentication.
The corporate seal was affixed to the agreement.
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Stamp
A tool for imprinting inked symbols or text.
She used a stamp to mark the invoice as paid.
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Seal
Something that securely closes or fastens.
The container's airtight seal kept the contents fresh.
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Stamp
A marker or symbol of official approval.
The certification bore the official stamp of the organization.
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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.
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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.
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Stamp
To cause to be dislodged by stomping the feet
He stamped the snow from his boots.
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Seal
The water in the trap of a drain that prevents sewer gas from escaping into a room.
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Stamp
To subdue, destroy, or eliminate
Stamped the rebellion.
Stamp out a fire.
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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?.
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Stamp
To form or cut out by application of a mold, form, or die
Washers that were stamped from a piece of sheet metal.
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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.
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Stamp
To impress forcibly or permanently
An experience that was stamped on his memory.
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Seal
The design or emblem itself, belonging exclusively to the user
A monarch's seal.
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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.
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Stamp
To identify, characterize, or reveal
Stamped her as a traitor to the cause.
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Seal
An indication or symbol regarded as guaranteeing or authenticating something
The choral director gave the program his seal of approval.
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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.
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Stamp
An implement or device used to impress, cut out, or shape something to which it is applied.
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Seal
To prevent (a liquid or gas) from escaping
Charring a piece of meat seals in the juices.
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Stamp
An official mark, design, or seal that indicates ownership, approval, completion, or the payment of a tax.
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Seal
To cover, secure, or fill up (an opening)
Sealed the hole in the pipe with epoxy.
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Stamp
A small piece of gummed paper sold by a government for attachment to an article that is to be mailed; a postage stamp.
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Stamp
A similar piece of gummed paper issued for a specific purpose
Trading stamps.
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Seal
To secure or prevent passage into and out of (an area). Often used with off
The police sealed off the crime scene.
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Stamp
An identifying or characterizing mark or impression
His work bears the stamp of genius.
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Seal
To affix a seal to (something) in order to prove authenticity, accuracy, or quality.
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Stamp
An act of stamping the foot, paw or hoof.
The horse gave two quick stamps and rose up on its hind legs.
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Seal
Mormon Church To make (a marriage, for example) eternally binding; solemnize forever.
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Stamp
An indentation, imprint, or mark made by stamping.
My passport has quite a collection of stamps.
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Stamp
A device for stamping designs.
She loved to make designs with her collection of stamps.
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Seal
A pinniped (Pinnipedia), particularly an earless seal (true seal) or eared seal.
The seals in the harbor looked better than they smelled.
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Stamp
A small piece of paper, with a design and a face value, used to prepay postage or other dues such as tax or licence fees.
I need one first-class stamp to send this letter.
Now that commerce is done electronically, tax stamps are no longer issued here.
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Stamp
A small piece of paper bearing a design on one side and adhesive on the other, used to decorate letters or craft work.
These stamps have a Christmas theme.
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Seal
An impression of such stamp on wax, paper or other material used for sealing.
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Seal
A design or insignia usually associated with an organization or an official role.
The front of the podium bore the presidential seal.
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Stamp
A kind of heavy pestle, raised by water or steam power, for crushing ores.
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Stamp
Cast; form; character; distinguishing mark or sign; evidence.
The stamp of criminality
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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.
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Stamp
(intransitive) To step quickly and heavily, once or repeatedly.
The toddler screamed and stamped, but still got no candy.
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Seal
(figurative) Confirmation or approval, or an indication of this.
Her clothes always had her mom's seal of approval.
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Stamp
(transitive) To move (the foot or feet) quickly and heavily, once or repeatedly.
The crowd cheered and stamped their feet in appreciation.
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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.
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Stamp
(transitive) To strike, beat, or press forcibly with the bottom of the foot, or by thrusting the foot downward.
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Seal
A tight closure, secure against leakage.
Close the lid tightly to get a good seal.
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Stamp
(transitive) To mark by pressing quickly and heavily.
This machine stamps the metal cover with a design.
This machine stamps the design into the metal cover.
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Stamp
(transitive) To give an official marking to, generally by impressing or imprinting a design or symbol.
The immigration officer stamped my passport.
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Seal
(intransitive) To hunt seals.
They're organizing a protest against sealing.
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Stamp
(transitive) To apply postage stamps to.
I forgot to stamp this letter.
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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
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Stamp
To strike beat, or press forcibly with the bottom of the foot, or by thrusting the foot downward.
He frets, he fumes, he stares, he stamps the ground.
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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.
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Stamp
To bring down (the foot) forcibly on the ground or floor; as, he stamped his foot with rage.
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Seal
(transitive) To prevent people or vehicles from crossing (something).
The border has been sealed until the fugitives are found.
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Stamp
To crush; to pulverize; specifically (Metal.), to crush by the blow of a heavy stamp, as ore in a mill.
I took your sin, the calf which ye had made, and burnt it with fire, and stamped it, and ground it very small.
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Seal
(transitive) To close securely to prevent leakage.
I've sealed the bottle to keep the contents fresh.
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Stamp
To impress with some mark or figure; as, to stamp a plate with arms or initials.
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Seal
(transitive) To place in a sealed container.
I've sealed the documents in this envelope.
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Stamp
Fig.: To impress; to imprint; to fix deeply; as, to stamp virtuous principles on the heart.
God . . . has stamped no original characters on our minds wherein we may read his being.
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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.
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Stamp
To cut out, bend, or indent, as paper, sheet metal, etc., into various forms, by a blow or suddenly applied pressure with a stamp or die, etc.; to mint; to coin.
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Stamp
To put a stamp on, as for postage; as, to stamp a letter; to stamp a legal document.
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Stamp
To strike; to beat; to crush.
These cooks how they stamp and strain and grind.
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Stamp
To strike the foot forcibly downward.
But starts, exclaims, and stamps, and raves, and dies.
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Stamp
The which stamps; any instrument for making impressions on other bodies, as a die.
'T is gold so pureIt can not bear the stamp without alloy.
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Stamp
The mark made by stamping; a mark imprinted; an impression.
That sacred name gives ornament and grace,And, like his stamp, makes basest metals pass.
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Stamp
That which is marked; a thing stamped.
Hanging a golden stamp about their necks.
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Stamp
A picture cut in wood or metal, or made by impression; a cut; a plate.
At Venice they put out very curious stamps of the several edifices which are most famous for their beauty and magnificence.
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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.
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Stamp
An official mark set upon things chargeable with a duty or tax to government, as evidence that the duty or tax is paid; as, the stamp on a bill of exchange.
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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.
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Stamp
A stamped or printed device, usually paper, issued by the government at a fixed price, and required by law to be affixed to, or stamped on, certain papers, as evidence that the government dues are paid; as, a postage stamp; a tax stamp; a receipt stamp, etc.
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Seal
That which seals or fastens; esp., the wax or wafer placed on a letter or other closed paper, etc., to fasten it.
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Stamp
An instrument for cutting out, or shaping, materials, as paper, leather, etc., by a downward pressure.
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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.
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Stamp
A character or reputation, good or bad, fixed on anything as if by an imprinted mark; current value; authority; as, these persons have the stamp of dishonesty; the Scriptures bear the stamp of a divine origin.
Of the same stamp is that which is obtruded on us, that an adamant suspends the attraction of the loadstone.
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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.
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Stamp
Make; cast; form; character; as, a man of the same stamp, or of a different stamp.
A soldier of this season's stamp.
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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.
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Stamp
A kind of heavy hammer, or pestle, raised by water or steam power, for beating ores to powder; anything like a pestle, used for pounding or beating.
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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.
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Seal
To fasten with a seal; to attach together with a wafer, wax, or other substance causing adhesion; as, to seal a letter.
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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".
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Seal
To fix, as a piece of iron in a wall, with cement, plaster, or the like.
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Stamp
The distinctive form in which a thing is made;
Pottery of this cast was found throughout the region
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Seal
To close by means of a seal; as, to seal a drainpipe with water. See 2d Seal, 5.
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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.
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Stamp
A symbol that is the result of printing;
He put his stamp on the envelope
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Stamp
Machine consisting of a heavy bar that moves vertically for pounding or crushing ores
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Seal
Fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
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Seal
A device incised to make an impression; used to secure a closing or to authenticate documents
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Stamp
A device incised to make an impression; used to secure a closing or to authenticate documents
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Seal
A member of a Naval Special Warfare unit who is trained for unconventional warfare;
SEAL is an acronym for Sea Air and Land
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Stamp
To mark, or produce an imprint in or on something;
A man whose name is permanently stamped on our maps
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Seal
A stamp affixed to a document (as to attest to its authenticity or to seal it);
The warrant bore the sheriff's seal
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Stamp
Reveal clearly as having a certain character;
His playing stamps him as a Romantic
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Stamp
Treat or classify according to a mental stereotype;
I was stereotyped as a lazy Southern European
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Stamp
Destroy or extinguish as if by stamping with the foot;
Stamp fascism into submission
Stamp out tyranny
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Seal
Any of numerous marine mammals that come on shore to breed; chiefly of cold regions
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Stamp
A postage sticker affixed to mail.
He placed a stamp on the letter before mailing.
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Stamp
The act of stamping or pressing down.
The officer stamp the passport upon entry.
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Stamp
A distinctive characteristic or trait.
His style of writing has a unique stamp.
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Seal
A device for stamping a design into wax or clay.
The document was authenticated with the king's seal.
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Seal
The act of sealing, like closing an envelope.
She put a seal on the envelope for privacy.
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Seal
A finishing touch or finalizing action.
His handshake was the seal on the deal.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are seals only used for official documents?
Primarily, but they can also be used for decorative purposes.
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Is wax used in modern seals?
Yes, but there are also paper and embossing seals.
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What is a seal?
A device used to imprint a design, often for authentication.
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Can a stamp be used for legal documents?
Yes, especially for date marking or certifying.
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What types of stamps are there?
Postage, date, and office stamps, among others.
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How is a stamp applied?
By pressing it onto an ink pad and then onto a surface.
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What is the purpose of a postage stamp?
To indicate prepayment of mail service.
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What’s a common use for stamps in offices?
Marking documents as received, paid, or approved.
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Can seals be used on digital documents?
Digital versions exist, but physical seals are more traditional.
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Can a seal be personalized?
Yes, seals are often personalized with names or emblems.
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Do seals have legal standing?
In many cases, yes, especially in legal and corporate contexts.
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How do you clean a stamp?
With water or stamp cleaner, depending on the ink.
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What's the difference in maintenance for seals and stamps?
Seals require little maintenance, while stamps need regular ink replenishing.
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Nov 11, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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