Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Using symbols or symbolism: Relating to, using, or expressed by means of symbols. It describes something that represents an idea, quality, or concept through a sign, object, or action.
   • Serving as a symbol: Acting as a visible or tangible representation of something abstract, such as an idea, emotion, or social construct.

Usage

• The word "symbolic" is used to describe actions, objects, or language that convey meaning beyond their literal form. It is common in discussions of art, literature, religion, culture, and logic.
• It can be used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "is" or "was").

Examples

• Using symbols:
  • The poet's use of a wilting flower was symbolic of lost youth.
  • They communicated through a complex system of symbolic gestures.
• Serving as a symbol:
  • The handshake was more than polite; it was symbolic of their new partnership.
  • The broken chain is symbolic of freedom from oppression.

Advanced Usage

• Symbolic logic: A branch of logic that uses abstract symbols to represent logical forms and operations, rather than ordinary language.
  • Studying symbolic logic helps in understanding the formal structure of arguments.
• Symbolic interactionism: A major sociological perspective that analyzes society by examining the subjective meanings people impose on objects, events, and behaviors through symbolic communication.
  • The theory of symbolic interactionism focuses on small-scale, everyday social interactions.

Variants and Related Words

• Symbolically (adverb): In a way that uses or serves as a symbol.
  • The treaty was signed, symbolically, on the anniversary of independence.
• Symbolize (verb): To be a symbol of; to represent by means of a symbol.
  • The dove symbolizes peace.
• Symbolism (noun): The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities; a system of symbols.
  • The symbolism in her paintings is rich and complex.

Synonyms

• Emblematic: Serving as a symbol of a particular quality or concept.
• Representative: Standing for or representing something else.
• Figurative: Departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical (often used for language, while "symbolic" has a broader application).

Related Phrases

• Symbolic gesture: An action performed to express a feeling or intention, rather than for its practical effect.
  • Wearing a ribbon was a symbolic gesture of support.
• Symbolic value: The importance or meaning something has as a symbol, rather than its material worth.
  • The old medal had great symbolic value for the family.

Idioms

• A symbolic victory: A success that is important for its meaning or morale, rather than for any major practical change it brings.
  • Winning the court case was a symbolic victory for the small community.

Adjective

1. using symbolism
   • symbolic art
2. serving as a visible symbol for something abstract
   • a crown is emblematic of royalty
   • the spinning wheel was as symbolic of colonical Massachusetts as the codfish
3. relating to or using or proceeding by means of symbols
   • symbolic logic
   • symbolic operations
   • symbolic thinking