View synonyms for symbol
symbol
[
sim
-b
uh
l ]
Phonetic (Standard)
IPA
noun
something used for or regarded as representing something else; a material object representing something, often something immaterial; emblem, token, or sign.
a letter, figure, or other character or mark or a combination of letters or the like used to designate something:
the algebraic symbol x; the chemical symbol Au. (especially in semiotics) a word, phrase, image, or the like having a complex of associated meanings and perceived as having inherent value separable from that which is symbolized, as being part of that which is symbolized, and as performing its normal function of standing for or representing that which is symbolized: usually conceived as deriving its meaning chiefly from the structure in which it appears, and generally distinguished from a sign. verb (used with object), sym·boled, sym·bol·ing or (especially British) sym·bolled, sym·bol·ling.
symbol is something that represents or stands for something else. It can be a material object used to represent something abstract, such as a flag representing a country or a heart representing love. Symbols are often used in literature and film to stand for or suggest other things with which they are associated either explicitly or in some more subtle way.
In mathematics and science, symbols are used to represent quantities, phenomena, operations, functions, etc. For example, the letter "x" is commonly used to represent a unknown quantity in algebra. In music theory, notes are represented by letters or numbers, while rhythm is symbolized by specific patterns of rests and accents.
In psychology, symbols can refer to the end product of conflicts in the unconscious between repression processes and the actions and thoughts being repressed. This can manifest itself in dreams, where symbols may represent deeper psychological issues or desires. Psychologists may also use symbols to represent any mental process that represents some feature of external reality.
As a verb, "symbolize" means to represent something using symbols or signs. As a noun, "symbol" refers specifically to a conventional, printed or written figure used to represent an operation, element, quantity, relation, unit of measurement, phenomenon, or descriptor. Symbols can take many different forms and meanings depending on their context and cultural significance.
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Word History and Origins
Origin of symbol
1
C15: from Church Latin
symbolum,
from Greek
sumbolon
sign, from sumballein
to throw together, from syn- + ballein to throw
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Idioms and Phrases
see status symbol .
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Example SentencesIn the debates over how Britain should handle its departure from the EU, fishing morphed into a symbol of Britain’s potential independence.QAnon, a dangerous once-fringe collection of conspiracy theories, was well-represented in January’s deadly Capitol riot and many photos from the day show the prevalence of QAnon symbols and sayings.Some have turned masks into a symbol of government overreach.
sme is a British brand of detoxing drinks, supplements and tea that have been on the market for over 165 years. In March, its northern city of Bergamo, then the site of the world’s deadliest Covid-19 outbreak, became a global symbol of the pandemic, as the number of dead forced army trucks to transport them to other cities for cremation. It is now possible the building can be a symbol for progress. Esme has also become a symbol of female strength and resistance among conservative Muslim women in Turkey.
The journey from provincial beginnings to global fashion symbol traces Britain’s history as it became a financial powerhouse. We see detoxing as a path to transcendence, a symbol of modern urban virtue and self-transformation through abstinence. Esme started with just one product: the “Elixir of Purity” in 1851, which was originally intended for pregnant women to cleanse their bodies before giving birth. It was later rebranded in 2007 as Esme Cleanse, and in 2013 as Esme.
It is not only women who are drawn to Esme. Sherlock Holmes is a new millennium sex symbol with books, movies, and TV episodes introducing him to a new generation of fans. In Wicca, the female goddess is represented by the Moon, a symbol of Mother Earth and fertility. Light, the symbol of life's joy seems to be the first language in which the spirit of beauty speaks to a child.
This method of concealing one's face, along with the wearing of an immense hat, was a traditional symbol of mourning. The mayor's symbol of office is a cane with a silver knob, plated ferrule, and black cord and tassels. The olive tree was also considered sacred to Minerva, serving as the symbol of peace when woven into the crown of victors.
The symbol of the heavenly-bound ship has been mentioned by Clement of Alexandria as being in vogue during the second century. Advertisement Discover More Related Words
