symbolic

symbolic — adjective

1. relating to a sign, picture, or object that stands for something else, particula

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

relating to a sign, picture, or object that stands for something else, particularly an abstract quality, idea, or concept

Example

The dove is a symbolic representation of peace in many cultures around the world.

symbolic representation of [abstract concept]

For many Indigenous peoples, the eagle's feather carries deep symbolic meaning.

symbolic meaning

Common collocations
  • symbolic meaning
  • symbolic representation
  • symbolic of
  • deeply symbolic
  • highly symbolic
Synonyms
  • representative

    broader in meaning; can refer to people or things that typify a group, not just abstract ideas

  • emblematic

    more formal register; often suggests the thing is a perfect or defining example of a quality

  • figurative

    restricted to language and art; refers to words or images used non-literally, not to physical objects

Antonyms
  • literal

    opposite of figurative or symbolic meaning; the word means exactly what it says

Grammar Patterns

symbolic + of + noun phrase (e.g. 'symbolic of peace')

symbolic + noun (e.g. 'symbolic meaning')

Usage Note

Frequently used in the pattern 'be symbolic of [something]' to indicate what a symbol represents. The noun form 'symbol' is considerably more common in everyday speech.

Common Mistakes

The colour red is symbolic for danger in many cultures.
The colour red is symbolic of danger in many cultures.
The correct preposition after 'symbolic' is 'of', not 'for'.

2. describing an action that is meant to show a feeling or opinion but does not act

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

describing an action that is meant to show a feeling or opinion but does not actually change a situation in a meaningful way

Example

The one-dollar raise was a purely symbolic gesture that angered the workers.

symbolic gesture

The leaders' handshake was a symbolic gesture that did little to resolve their conflict.

Common collocations
  • symbolic gesture
  • purely symbolic
  • largely symbolic
  • merely symbolic
  • symbolic act
Synonyms
  • token

    often used before 'gesture' to highlight that the effort is minimal or merely for show

  • pro forma

    formal register; used especially in business, legal, and official contexts to mean done as a routine formality

  • nominal

    suggests a very small or insignificant amount, typically about fees, prices, or payments

Antonyms
  • meaningful

    describes an action that has genuine substance and real impact

  • substantive

    formal alternative; emphasises that something deals with real issues and has practical consequences

Grammar Patterns

symbolic + gesture / act / show

Usage Note

Often placed before nouns like 'gesture', 'act', or 'show'. This sense carries an implicit contrast with the first sense: whereas 'symbolic' simply means 'representing something', here it suggests that the action is performative rather than substantive. Common with intensifiers 'purely', 'largely', and 'merely'.

Word family

  • symbol
    nounB1
  • symbolize
    verbB2
  • symbolism
    nounC1
  • symbolically
    adverbB2
  • symbolist
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Symbolic describes something that stands for an abstract idea through cultural or conventional association — a dove is symbolic of peace, a crown is symbolic of royalty. Representative is broader: it describes anything that typifies a group or category, including people (a representative sample, a representative of the union). Emblematic is more formal and often implies that the thing is a perfect or especially striking embodiment of a quality (the eagle is emblematic of American freedom). Figurative is restricted to language and art, where words or images are used in a non-literal way (figurative language). In practice, symbolic is the most versatile everyday word; use emblematic for formal writing when you want to emphasise the idea of perfection or quintessence, and figurative only when discussing literary or artistic devices.

symbolic ↗representative ↗emblematicfigurative

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • symbolic of
  • purely symbolic
  • largely symbolic

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'symbolicus' (pertaining to a symbol), from Greek 'symbolikos' (of or belonging to a symbol), from 'symbolon' (token, sign, mark). The Greek 'symbolon' combined 'syn-' (together) and 'ballein' (to throw), originally meaning a token broken in half as a proof of identity — two people each kept a piece, and fitting them back together proved their connection. Over time the meaning shifted from 'physical token of recognition' to 'outward sign that stands for something else.'