symbolise

symbolise — 動詞

1. When a picture, object, action, or event symbolises an idea or quality, it is un

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

象徵

用具體事物代表抽象概念

When a picture, object, action, or event symbolises an idea or quality, it is understood to stand for that thing — for example, a dove symbolising peace, or the colour green symbolising nature and growth.

例句

Gabriela explained that the olive branch has long symbolised peace between nations.

Gabriela 解釋說，橄欖枝長久以來一直象徵著國家之間的和平。

collocation: symbolise peace

For her art project, Jiwoo painted a sunrise that symbolises hope after a difficult time.

Jiwoo 的藝術作品畫了一幅日出，象徵度過難關後的希望。

同義詞
  • represent

    more general and literal; 'represent' can be factual (a map represents territory), while 'symbolise' is used for emotional or cultural meaning

  • stand for

    more informal; often used for abbreviations or direct equivalences ('SMART stands for…')

  • denote

    more formal and precise; used when something refers to something by explicit meaning rather than cultural association

  • signify

    overlaps closely; 'signify' can also mean 'be a sign of' as evidence, while 'symbolise' is about cultural convention

文法句型

symbolise + noun (the abstract idea or quality)

用法筆記

The subject is usually an inanimate thing (object, colour, image, action, or event). This verb is always transitive — the thing being represented must be stated after the verb. Frequently used in literary analysis and discussions of cultural symbolism.

常見錯誤

❌The red rose represents love.' (when meaning symbolic)
✅The red rose symbolises love.
💡'represent' is more factual or literal; 'symbolise' carries deeper cultural or emotional meaning and is preferred for abstract concepts.
❌The logo symbolises.' (missing object)
✅The logo symbolises the company's commitment to sustainability.
💡'symbolise' is always transitive and needs an object.