symbol
SIHM-buhl
Symbol (noun) means a written character or image that stands for an idea, object, or sound. Example: “The dollar sign is a symbol for currency.”
noun
1
A written character or image that stands for an idea, object, or sound.
"The dollar sign is a symbol for currency."
"Chemists use a one- or two-letter symbol for each element."
"The at symbol appears in every email address."
2
A person, object, or action that represents a larger idea or quality.
"The dove has long been a symbol of peace."
"For many people, the olive branch is a symbol of friendship."
"The old oak tree became a symbol of the town's strength."
How to use symbol
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething — a mark, image, or object — that stands in for a bigger idea.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a symbol of
status symbol
religious symbol
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Word forms
- Plural
- symbols
- Third person singular
- symbols
- Past tense
- symboled, symbolled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dollar sign is a _____ for currency.
Etymology
From Greek symbolon, originally a token or half-coin used as a proof of identity, from syn- ("together") + ballein ("to throw").
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “symbol” mean?
The word “symbol” means a written character or image that stands for an idea, object, or sound. In plain terms, something — a mark, image, or object — that stands in for a bigger idea.
How do you pronounce “symbol”?
“Symbol” is pronounced SIHM-buhl (/ˈsɪmbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “symbol” in a sentence?
Here is “symbol” used in a sentence: “The dollar sign is a symbol for currency.”
What part of speech is “symbol”?
“Symbol” is a noun.
Where does the word “symbol” come from?
The word “symbol” comes from Greek. From Greek symbolon, originally a token or half-coin used as a proof of identity, from syn- ("together") + ballein ("to throw").
Is “symbol” a common word?
“Symbol” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “symbol” have?
“Symbol” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a written character or image that stands for an idea, object, or sound.
What is the difference between a symbol and a sign?
A sign typically points directly to something concrete, such as a road sign indicating a turn, while a symbol is a character, image, or object that stands for a broader or more abstract idea, object, or sound. Every symbol works as a kind of sign, but a symbol usually carries meaning beyond its literal appearance.
What is the difference between a symbol and a metaphor?
A symbol is a written character, image, or object that represents an idea or quality, whereas a metaphor is a figure of speech that describes one thing as if it were another. A dove can be a symbol of peace, while calling a steady friend "a rock" is a metaphor.
Is it spelled 'symbol' or 'cymbal'?
"Symbol" refers to a character or image that stands for an idea, while "cymbal" is a metal percussion instrument. The two sound alike but are unrelated, so "a symbol of hope" is correct and "a cymbal of hope" is a spelling mistake.
What preposition is used with 'symbol'?
"Symbol" is most often followed by "of," as in "a symbol of freedom" or "a symbol of wealth." You can also say something is "a symbol for" an idea, but "symbol of" is the far more common pairing.
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