symbolism
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for symbolism, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use symbolism
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From symbol + -ism; the art-movement sense was borrowed from French symbolisme.
Full origin of symbolism →Frequently asked questions
What does “symbolism” mean?
The word “symbolism” means the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. In plain terms, the use of images or objects to represent deeper ideas, especially in art and literature.
How do you pronounce “symbolism”?
“Symbolism” is pronounced SIHM-buh-lih-zuhm (/ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “symbolism” in a sentence?
Here is “symbolism” used in a sentence: “The novel is rich with religious symbolism.”
What part of speech is “symbolism”?
“Symbolism” is a noun.
Where does the word “symbolism” come from?
The word “symbolism” comes from French. From symbol + -ism; the art-movement sense was borrowed from French symbolisme.
Is “symbolism” a common word?
“Symbolism” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “symbolism” have?
“Symbolism” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.