symbolic
Symbolic (adj) means serving as a symbol; representing something beyond its literal meaning. Example: “Planting a tree on opening day was a symbolic way of marking the school's new start.”
adj
1
Serving as a symbol; representing something beyond its literal meaning.
"Planting a tree on opening day was a symbolic way of marking the school's new start."
"The handshake was a symbolic gesture of peace between the two leaders."
"Her donation was largely symbolic, meant to draw attention to the cause."
How to use symbolic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStanding for or representing something else, rather than being literal or practical.
Common pairings
symbolic gesture
purely symbolic
symbolic meaning
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more symbolic
- Superlative
- most symbolic
Fill the gap
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Planting a tree on opening day was a _____ way of marking the school's new start.
Etymology
From Greek symbolikos, "of or relating to a symbol."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for symbolic
colic
frolic
anabolic
Catholic
systolic
apostolic
alcoholic
metabolic
parabolic
workaholic
melancholic
See all rhymes for symbolic →
Frequently asked questions
What does “symbolic” mean?
The word “symbolic” means serving as a symbol; representing something beyond its literal meaning. In plain terms, standing for or representing something else, rather than being literal or practical.
How do you use “symbolic” in a sentence?
Here is “symbolic” used in a sentence: “The handshake was a symbolic gesture of peace between the two leaders.”
What part of speech is “symbolic”?
“Symbolic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “symbolic” come from?
The word “symbolic” comes from Latin. From Greek symbolikos, "of or relating to a symbol.".
Is “symbolic” a common word?
“Symbolic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between symbolic and literal?
Something symbolic represents an idea or meaning beyond its literal, physical form, while something literal refers only to its exact, direct sense. A symbolic gesture, for example, carries significance beyond the action itself.
What does it mean when something is described as symbolic rather than significant?
Calling something symbolic emphasises that it represents or stands for a larger idea, even if its direct practical impact is small, whereas 'significant' focuses on the importance or effect of the thing itself. A symbolic gesture may matter more for what it represents than for what it actually changes.
Can an action be both symbolic and practical?
Yes, an action can serve as a symbol representing something beyond its literal meaning while also having a genuine practical effect. The two qualities are not mutually exclusive.
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