emblematic

/ˌembləˈmætɪk/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌɛmbləmˈætɪk] /ˌembləˈmætɪk/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌɛmbləmˈætɪk] /ˌem-blə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce emblematic (audio)/ (ame, mw)

emblematic — adjective

  • emblematicpositive
  • more emblematiccomparative
  • most emblematicsuperlative

1. so strongly connected with an idea, group, or period that people immediately thi

1.形容詞C1
釋義

so strongly connected with an idea, group, or period that people immediately think of it

例句

The red poppy remains emblematic of remembrance in Britain each November.

be emblematic of + abstract idea

Kenji chose a rising sun design emblematic of hope after the storm.

同義詞
  • symbolic

    the closest everyday equivalent; less formal and often used more broadly

  • representative

    can describe either symbols or typical examples, so it is broader and less literary

  • iconic

    stresses fame and recognizability more than symbolic meaning

反義詞
  • literal

    describes something taken at face value rather than as a symbol

文法句型

be emblematic of + noun phrase

an emblematic + noun

用法筆記

Most often followed by 'of' to name the value, group, or era being represented. This sense is about symbolic association, not simply being a good example of a type.

常見錯誤

❌The flag is emblematic for national unity.
✅The flag is emblematic of national unity.
💡'emblematic' is normally followed by 'of', not 'for'.

2. showing the main features of a larger pattern, culture, or problem so clearly th

2.形容詞C1
釋義

showing the main features of a larger pattern, culture, or problem so clearly that it stands as a strong example

例句

The housing dispute is emblematic of wider tensions between locals and investors.

be emblematic of + wider pattern

Felix's tiny apartment is emblematic of student life in the city center.

同義詞
  • representative

    the nearest general equivalent; slightly less formal and less forceful

  • typical

    more common in everyday speech and less literary in tone

  • characteristic

    focuses on a defining feature rather than on standing for the whole

反義詞
  • atypical

    shows something unusual rather than a pattern you would expect

文法句型

be emblematic of + wider pattern

an emblematic example of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Applied when one case reveals what a broader situation is like. Unlike sense 1, no symbolic tradition is needed; the thing is simply a striking example of the whole.

常見錯誤

❌Long lines are emblematic because the cafe is busy every day.
✅Long lines are emblematic of the cafe's popularity.
💡Use 'emblematic' when one fact points to a broader pattern, not just to say something happens often.