symbolise

IPA/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/
IPA/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/

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。

常見搭配
  • symbolise + abstract noun (peace, hope, freedom, love, unity, purity, power)
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.

同根字

常見搭配

名詞搭配

  • dove symbolises peace
  • colour symbolises purity
  • flag symbolises unity
  • image symbolises hope
  • flower symbolises love

副詞搭配

  • widely symbolised
  • traditionally symbolises
  • often symbolises
  • commonly symbolised

常用片語

  • symbolise the idea of
  • symbolise the struggle for
  • symbolise a commitment to

介系詞搭配

  • symbolised by
  • symbolise through