symbolize
symbolize — 動詞
- symbolizepresent simple I / you / we / they
- symbolizeshe / she / it
- symbolizedpast simple
- symbolizing-ing form
1. When one thing symbolizes another, it is understood by a group of people to stan
象徵
代表某事物
When one thing symbolizes another, it is understood by a group of people to stand for that thing because of shared cultural, emotional, or traditional ideas. For example, a dove symbolizes peace, or a national flag symbolizes a country and its values.
The dove symbolizes peace in many cultures around the world.
鴿子在世界上許多文化中都象徵和平。
symbolize + [abstract concept] (peace)
For the village, the old oak tree symbolizes strength and unity across generations.
對村民來說，那棵老橡樹象徵著跨越世代的團結與力量。
symbolize + [two abstract nouns]
The colour white symbolizes purity in some wedding traditions.
在某些婚禮傳統中，白色象徵純潔。
In the novel, the long journey symbolizes the hero's search for truth.
在這部小說中，漫長的旅程象徵著主角對真理的追尋。
symbolize + [abstract quality] in literary context
The broken chain on the statue symbolizes freedom from oppression.
雕像上斷裂的鎖鏈象徵著從壓迫中得到自由。
- symbolize peace
- symbolize hope
- symbolize freedom
- symbolize unity
- symbolize strength
- symbolize purity
- symbolize power
- symbolize love
- represent
more general and neutral; 'represent' can mean stand for literally (a photo represents a person), while 'symbolize' carries cultural/emotional weight
- stand for
informal; often used for abbreviations or simple equivalences
- denote
formal; implies a direct, logical meaning rather than emotional association
- signify
similar in formality; emphasizes importance or consequence of the meaning
文法句型
[thing] + symbolize + [abstract quality / concept]
用法筆記
Subject is usually a concrete image, colour, object, or ritual; the object names something abstract (peace, hope, unity) that the culture widely recognizes.
常見錯誤
2. To deliberately choose and use symbols, images, or objects in art, writing, or c
用象徵
透過符號表達抽象概念
To deliberately choose and use symbols, images, or objects in art, writing, or ceremony to express an abstract idea or quality. For example, an artist uses a wilting flower to symbolize loss, or a writer uses a storm to symbolize conflict.
The artist uses light and shadow to symbolize the struggle between good and evil.
這位藝術家運用光影來象徵善與惡之間的鬥爭。
use(s) + [medium] + to symbolize + [abstract idea]
In her novel, the author uses the changing seasons to symbolize the stages of human life.
在這本小說中，作者用四季的變化來象徵人生的不同階段。
Mayumi used water in the ceremony to symbolize the washing away of old regrets.
真由美在儀式中用水來象徵洗去過去的遺憾。
symbolize through ritual / ceremony
The filmmaker often uses the image of rain to symbolize sadness or release from pain.
這位導演常用雨景來象徵悲傷或痛苦之後的釋放。
Faisal chose a single red flower in the painting to symbolize hope after the war.
法薩爾在畫中選了一朵紅花來象徵戰後的希望。
choose(s) + [object] + to symbolize + [abstract idea]
- symbolize through art
- symbolize by using
- symbolize in a ceremony
- symbolize with colours
- symbolize via imagery
- express symbolically
more explicit about the method; less compact
- allegorize
more specific — extending a symbol into a full narrative or system; very formal
- represent
more general; can be literal rather than deliberately symbolic
文法句型
[person] + use(s) + [medium] + to symbolize + [abstract idea]
[person] + symbolize + [abstract idea] + through/by + [medium]
用法筆記
Subject is usually a person (artist, writer, filmmaker, ritual leader) who consciously selects symbolic elements. Frequently used with 'uses … to symbolize' or 'chose … to symbolize' patterns.