Symbolize: meaning, definitions and examples

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symbolize

 

[ ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in communication

To represent something by using symbols or symbolism. It can also mean to be a symbol of something.

Synonyms

represent, signify, stand for

Examples of usage

  • The dove symbolizes peace.
  • The color red symbolizes passion and love.
Context #2 | Verb

in literature

To use symbols or symbolism in a literary work to convey deeper meanings or themes.

Synonyms

embody, represent, signify

Examples of usage

  • The author symbolizes the darkness as the protagonist's inner turmoil.
Context #3 | Verb

in mathematics

To represent a quantity, operation, relation, or other mathematical entity using symbols.

Synonyms

denote, represent, stand for

Examples of usage

  • In algebra, letters are used to symbolize unknown numbers.

Translations

Translations of the word "symbolize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 simbolizar

🇮🇳 प्रतीकात्मक करना

🇩🇪 symbolisieren

🇮🇩 melambangkan

🇺🇦 символізувати

🇵🇱 symbolizować

🇯🇵 象徴する

🇫🇷 symboliser

🇪🇸 simbolizar

🇹🇷 sembolize etmek

🇰🇷 상징하다

🇸🇦 يرمز

🇨🇿 symbolizovat

🇸🇰 symbolizovať

🇨🇳 象征

🇸🇮 simbolizirati

🇮🇸 tákna

🇰🇿 білдіру

🇬🇪 სიმბოლიზირება

🇦🇿 simvolizə etmək

🇲🇽 simbolizar

Word origin

The word 'symbolize' originated from the late 18th century, derived from the noun 'symbol' and the suffix '-ize', which means 'to make' or 'to become'. The concept of symbolizing has been present throughout human history, from ancient civilizations using symbols to convey meanings to modern-day communication and art.

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