Symbolize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฃ
symbolize
[หsษชmbษหlaษชz ]
Definitions
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| symbolize |
Used when referring to something that is a visual representation or an emblem of an idea, concept, or other intangible elements.
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| represent |
Used when referring to acting or speaking on behalf of someone or something, or depicting something in a particular way.
|
| signify |
Used to indicate, suggest, or convey a certain meaning, often subtly or indirectly.
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| stand for |
Used when referring to letters, symbols, or abbreviations that denote or mean something specific.
|
Examples of usage
- The dove symbolizes peace.
- The color red symbolizes passion and love.
in literature
To use symbols or symbolism in a literary work to convey deeper meanings or themes.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| symbolize |
Use when something stands as a sign or symbol of a deeper, often abstract concept.
|
| represent |
Use when something acts or stands for another thing, often in a broader context.
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| embody |
Use when something physically represents a quality or idea, often in a tangible form.
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| signify |
Use when indicating that something serves as a sign or has a particular meaning.
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Examples of usage
- The author symbolizes the darkness as the protagonist's inner turmoil.
in mathematics
To represent a quantity, operation, relation, or other mathematical entity using symbols.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| symbolize |
Used when indicating that something serves as a symbol or emblem of another thing, often abstract in nature.
|
| represent |
Employed to indicate that something stands in place of or acts on behalf of another thing, often in a variety of contexts including legal, artistic, and social.
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| stand for |
Commonly used in everyday language to imply that one thing is an abbreviation or a symbol for another, often with initials or symbols.
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| denote |
Utilized in formal or academic settings to specify that something directly refers to or designates a particular thing, usually with a precise or literal meaning.
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Examples of usage
- In algebra, letters are used to symbolize unknown numbers.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Authors often use symbols in stories to convey emotions or ideas, like a dove symbolizing peace.
- In poetry, colors can symbolize feelings; for instance, red often represents passion or anger.
- Symbolism as a movement in the 19th century emphasized using indirect and suggestive meanings in art and literature.
Psychology
- Symbols can evoke strong emotional responses in people, tapping into individual experiences and collective cultures.
- The psychological concept of archetypes shows how certain symbols are understood universally, like a hero or a mother figure.
- Dream symbols can reveal hidden thoughts and feelings, as people often interpret their dreams by analyzing symbols present in them.
Art
- Visual artists use symbols to express complex ideas, like the skull in art representing mortality.
- In abstract art, colors and shapes may symbolize emotions or ideas rather than depict objects directly.
- Cultural symbols can often change meaning over time, reflecting shifts in society's values and beliefs.
Pop Culture
- In films, a red rose often symbolizes love and romance, becoming a common trope across many genres.
- Superheroes using certain colors and symbols on their costumes convey their powers and moral codes, like Supermanโs 'S' for strength and hope.
- Logos in branding often symbolize company values; for example, the apple with a bite from Apple Inc. represents innovation and knowledge.
Origin of 'symbolize'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek word 'symbolon,' meaning a token or sign.
- In the Middle Ages, symbols were often used in religious art to convey deeper meanings.
- By the 14th century, the term began to be used in English to describe representation beyond literal meanings.
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.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #17,202, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 17199 overtook
- 17200 enriching
- 17201 hedging
- 17202 symbolize
- 17203 foundational
- 17204 dysfunctional
- 17205 depravity
- ...