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Symbol Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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symbol

[หˆsษชmbษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

A symbol is a mark or character used to represent an object, function, or process, such as +, -, *, / in mathematics.

Synonyms

character, glyph, sign.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
symbol

Same as first 'symbol' entry.

  • The heart symbol often represents love
  • A dove is a universal symbol of peace
sign

Use it when referring to a board, notice, or gesture intended to convey specific information or instructions.

  • The sign said 'No Parking'
  • She gave a thumbs-up sign to indicate her approval
character

Use it when referring to letters, numbers, or other typographic signs in writing as a part of language or code.

  • Each character in the password must be unique
  • The character 'A' is the first letter of the alphabet
glyph

Use it in technical or specialized contexts related to typography, computer fonts, or archaeology, referring to a design or carved figure.

  • The ancient glyphs on the tablet were hard to decipher
  • The font includes several unique glyphs

Examples of usage

  • In the equation 2 + 3 = 5, the symbol + represents addition.
  • Symbols like % or $ are often used to denote percentage or currency values.
Context #2 | Noun

communication

A symbol can also refer to an object or image that represents a concept, idea, or relationship.

Synonyms

emblem, representation, token.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
symbol

Use 'symbol' when you mean something that represents an idea, concept, or object in a simple, recognizable form. Often used in contexts like literature, mathematics, culture, and everyday signs.

  • The heart is a common symbol of love.
  • Pi is a mathematical symbol that represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.
  • A red cross is a symbol for medical assistance.
emblem

An 'emblem' is typically a design or object that represents a particular group, country, or organization. It often carries official or formal significance.

  • The eagle is an emblem of the United States.
  • Every scout troop has its own unique emblem.
  • The school badge is an emblem of pride for the students.
representation

Use 'representation' to refer to something that stands for or depicts something else, especially in a more detailed or broader sense. Often used in discussions of art, media, and abstract concepts.

  • The painting is a powerful representation of the artist's emotions.
  • This graph is a visual representation of the data collected over the past year.
  • The sculpture is a representation of freedom and human spirit.
token

A 'token' generally refers to a small object that represents or signifies something else, often used in sentimental or symbolic contexts as a gesture or proof. It may imply something minor or insubstantial.

  • She gave him a locket as a token of her affection.
  • The company presented him with a watch as a token of appreciation for his years of service.
  • Please accept this gift as a small token of our gratitude.

Examples of usage

  • The dove is a symbol of peace.
  • In many cultures, the color white is a symbol of purity.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To symbolize means to represent something by using symbols or imagery.

Synonyms

embody, represent, stand for.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
symbol

Use 'symbol' to describe something that represents something else, often an abstract concept or idea.

  • The dove is a symbol of peace
  • The heart symbol represents love
represent

Use 'represent' when you are speaking about how one thing stands for or illustrates another thing, or when someone acts on behalf of others.

  • The flag represents our country's values
  • The lawyer will represent her client in court
stand for

Use 'stand for' in everyday language to describe what something means or signifies, often letters or symbols.

  • OMG stands for 'Oh My God'
  • The 'A+' stands for excellent performance
embody

Use 'embody' when you want to talk about a concrete form or person that represents a specific quality, idea, or feeling.

  • She truly embodies the spirit of kindness
  • The statue embodies freedom

Examples of usage

  • The red rose symbolizes love and passion.
  • Wearing a black armband can symbolize mourning or remembrance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Symbols help us communicate complex ideas quickly by representing larger concepts.
  • Freudian symbolism suggests that our dreams often use symbols to convey deeper meanings about our emotions.
  • Colors can serve as symbols, such as red for love or anger, influencing our mood and actions.

Art and Literature

  • In literature, a character might carry a symbol, like a red rose signifying love or beauty.
  • Artists often use symbols to express emotional and social messages, as seen in surrealist paintings.
  • Classic literature is filled with symbols; for example, George Orwellโ€™s 'Animal Farm' uses animals to symbolize different political figures and ideologies.

Culture

  • Different cultures have unique symbols; for instance, the lotus flower symbolizes purity in many Asian cultures.
  • National flags are powerful symbols that embody a country's identity and values.
  • Religious symbols, like the cross in Christianity or the crescent in Islam, convey deep meanings for followers.

Technology

  • In computer languages, symbols are crucial for denoting operations and variables in coding.
  • Emoji have become modern symbols that represent emotions, activities, and concepts in digital communication.
  • QR codes are a type of symbol that holds information, which can be read by scanners or smartphones.

Origin of 'symbol'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'symbol' comes from the Greek word 'symbolon', meaning 'token' or 'sign'.
  • Originally, symbols were used in ancient Greece as signifiers to represent agreements or contracts.
  • Over time, the concept of symbols expanded to include everything from language to art.

The term 'symbol' originated from the Latin word 'symbolus,' which in turn came from the Greek word 'symbolon,' meaning a mark, token, or sign. Symbols have played a crucial role in human communication and representation throughout history, from ancient hieroglyphics to modern-day emojis. They are used to convey complex ideas and concepts in a concise and visually appealing manner.

See also: symbolic, symbolism, symbolization, symbolize, symbolizing, symbols.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,449, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.