symbolical
/sim'bɔlik/ Cách viết khác : (symbolical) /sim'bɔlikəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- 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
- relating to or using or proceeding by means of symbols
- symbolic logic
- symbolic operations
- symbolic thinking