symbolic
/sɪmˈbɒlɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /sɪmˈbɑːlɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /sim-ˈbä-lik/ (ame, mw)
symbolic — adjective
- symbolicpositive
- more symboliccomparative
- most symbolicsuperlative
1. relating to a sign, picture, or object that stands for something else, particula
relating to a sign, picture, or object that stands for something else, particularly an abstract quality, idea, or concept
The dove is a symbolic representation of peace in many cultures around the world.
symbolic representation of [abstract concept]
For many Indigenous peoples, the eagle's feather carries deep symbolic meaning.
symbolic meaning
In the novel, the dark forest is symbolic of the main character's fears.
Adaeze chose a lotus flower as the symbolic image for her charity project.
The Olympic rings are a well-known symbolic design representing five continents.
- representative
broader in meaning; can refer to people or things that typify a group, not just abstract ideas
- emblematic
more formal register; often suggests the thing is a perfect or defining example of a quality
- figurative
restricted to language and art; refers to words or images used non-literally, not to physical objects
- literal
opposite of figurative or symbolic meaning; the word means exactly what it says
文法句型
symbolic + of + noun phrase (e.g. 'symbolic of peace')
symbolic + noun (e.g. 'symbolic meaning')
用法筆記
Frequently used in the pattern 'be symbolic of [something]' to indicate what a symbol represents. The noun form 'symbol' is considerably more common in everyday speech.
常見錯誤
2. describing an action that is meant to show a feeling or opinion but does not act
describing an action that is meant to show a feeling or opinion but does not actually change a situation in a meaningful way
The one-dollar raise was a purely symbolic gesture that angered the workers.
symbolic gesture
The leaders' handshake was a symbolic gesture that did little to resolve their conflict.
Critics dismissed the new policy as largely symbolic, since it included no enforcement measures.
Eitan's public apology felt more symbolic than sincere to those who knew the full story.
The committee's vote was largely symbolic, as the leader's position was never truly in doubt.
- token
often used before 'gesture' to highlight that the effort is minimal or merely for show
- pro forma
formal register; used especially in business, legal, and official contexts to mean done as a routine formality
- nominal
suggests a very small or insignificant amount, typically about fees, prices, or payments
- meaningful
describes an action that has genuine substance and real impact
- substantive
formal alternative; emphasises that something deals with real issues and has practical consequences
文法句型
symbolic + gesture / act / show
用法筆記
Often placed before nouns like 'gesture', 'act', or 'show'. This sense carries an implicit contrast with the first sense: whereas 'symbolic' simply means 'representing something', here it suggests that the action is performative rather than substantive. Common with intensifiers 'purely', 'largely', and 'merely'.