symbol
/ˈsɪmbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪmbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsim-bəl/ (ame, mw)
symbol — noun
- symbolsingular
- symbolsplural
1. A written mark, printed character, or small picture that stands for a particular
A written mark, printed character, or small picture that stands for a particular thing, idea, or operation.
The @ symbol appears in every email address that you write.
preposition 'in' with symbol
In mathematics, the + symbol stands for addition between numbers.
Yumi learned that the heart symbol is often used to mean love in texts.
The symbol $ is used to mean dollars in many countries around the world.
A question mark is the symbol that writers put at the end of a question.
- sign
more general — 'sign' can also mean an indicator or notice board; 'symbol' is more specific to conventional representation
- mark
simpler and broader — a mark can be a scratch or stain without conventional meaning
- character
refers specifically to written or printed letters and signs, often in a writing system
文法句型
symbol for [something]
用法筆記
Often followed by 'for' to name what the mark represents. Subject is usually the symbol name itself.
常見錯誤
2. A thing — such as an object, picture, or animal — that people understand to stan
A thing — such as an object, picture, or animal — that people understand to stand for a general quality, feeling, or concept.
A dove is often used as a symbol of peace around the world.
as a symbol of [quality]
In many cultures, the colour white is a symbol of purity at weddings.
The Olympic rings are a powerful symbol of unity among different nations.
Rania gave her friend a heart-shaped necklace as a symbol of their friendship.
For Kabir, the old family house was a symbol of his childhood memories.
文法句型
symbol of [quality/idea]
as a symbol of [something]
用法筆記
The preposition is almost always 'of' — 'a symbol of peace', 'a symbol of hope'. Distinguish from sense 1 (WRITTEN SIGN), where the symbol is a conventional mark; here it is an object or image that carries abstract meaning.
常見錯誤
3. A mark or character whose interpretation is precisely defined within a specialis
A mark or character whose interpretation is precisely defined within a specialised field — for instance, in chemistry, musical notation, or mathematics.
On sheet music, the symbol called a treble clef tells you which notes to play.
In chemistry, H₂O is the written symbol for the molecule called water.
symbol for [element/molecule]
The symbol π represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.
Daichi used the @ symbol in his code to mark email addresses in the database.
Every element on the periodic table has a one-letter or two-letter symbol such as Fe.
- notation
a system of symbols rather than one single character
- abbreviation
a shortened form of a word, not always a visual character
- sign
broader; a sign does not have to be standardised across a field
文法句型
chemical symbol for [element]
musical symbol
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (WRITTEN SIGN), these symbols belong to a specific technical field and carry a precise, unambiguous meaning within that field. The field is usually named nearby in the sentence.
常見錯誤
4. A physical thing that people think of as representing something larger or deeper
A physical thing that people think of as representing something larger or deeper, usually because of shared cultural or historical associations.
The Statue of Liberty became a powerful symbol of hope for new immigrants.
became a symbol of [concept]
For many Japanese people, Mount Fuji is a sacred symbol of their country.
For Harper, the old brass key was a symbol of the home she left behind.
In the ceremony, the burning candle served as a symbol of life continuing after death.
The wedding ring that Asher wears every day is a personal symbol of his marriage.
- emblem
more formal, often officially adopted by a country or group
- representation
broader and more abstract; can refer to art or language as well
- reminder
personal and emotional; a reminder prompts memory, while a symbol carries wider meaning
文法句型
symbol of [abstract concept]
become a symbol of [something]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 (REPRESENTATIVE): sense 2 uses conventional symbols (dove for peace) that are widely agreed upon; sense 4 describes a real object that takes on symbolic weight through shared cultural or personal history.
常見錯誤
symbol — verb
- symbolpresent simple I / you / we / they
- symbols3rd person singular
- symboling-ing form
- symboledpast simple
1. To act as a symbol of something, standing for an idea, quality, or situation thr
To act as a symbol of something, standing for an idea, quality, or situation through convention or cultural association.
The white dove symbolises peace in many cultures around the world.
[thing] symbolises [abstract quality]
For Aylin, the small tree they planted together symbolised a new beginning after the move.
In the novel, the recurring storm symbolises the main character's inner struggles.
The flag that flies over the building symbolises the country's unity after the war.
To Ravindra, the empty chair at the table symbolised his father's long absence.
文法句型
[subject] symbolises [object]
[subject] + be + symbolised + by + [object]
用法筆記
Frequently used in literary and descriptive writing. Rarely used in progressive forms ('is symbolising'). The American spelling is 'symbolize'.