Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Serving as a visible or concrete representation of an abstract idea, quality, or concept: Something that is symbolical stands for or points to something else, often more complex or intangible.
   • Relating to, involving, or expressed by means of symbols: Pertaining to the use of symbols, or characterized by symbolic representation, as in thought, logic, or art.

Usage and Examples

• As a visible symbol:
  • The dove is often symbolical of peace. (The dove represents the abstract concept of peace.)
  • In the ceremony, the lighting of the candle was symbolical of new beginnings.
• Relating to the use of symbols:
  • The poet's symbolical language requires careful interpretation.
  • The study focused on the symbolical systems used in ancient rituals.

Advanced Usage

• In academic contexts: The term is frequently used in fields like anthropology, literature, and semiotics to describe cultural practices, artistic works, or modes of thought that rely on symbolic meaning.
  • The anthropologist analyzed the symbolical significance of the tribal masks.
• In logic and mathematics: Refers to processes or reasoning that employ formal symbols.
  • The development of symbolical logic was a major advancement in philosophy.

Variants and Related Words

• Symbolic (adj): The more common variant, identical in meaning to "symbolical."
  • The handshake was a symbolic gesture of agreement.
• Symbol (n): A thing that represents or stands for something else.
  • The heart is a universal symbol for love.
• Symbolism (n): The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities; a system of symbols.
  • The symbolism in her paintings is rich and complex.
• Symbolize (v): To be a symbol of; to represent.
  • The ring symbolizes their eternal bond.

Synonyms

• Emblematic: Serving as a symbol of a particular quality or concept.
  • The bald eagle is emblematic of the United States.
• Representative: Standing for or depicting something else.
• Figurative: Departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical (often overlaps in artistic contexts).
• Metaphorical: Characterized by or constituting a metaphor; symbolic.

Antonyms

• Literal: Taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.
  • He meant his apology in a literal sense, not a symbolical one.
• Actual: Existing in fact; real.
• Concrete: Existing in a material or physical form; not abstract.

Adjective

1. 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
2. relating to or using or proceeding by means of symbols
   • symbolic logic
   • symbolic operations
   • symbolic thinking