Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense symbolizes, present participle symbolizing, past tense, past participle symbolizedregional note: in BRIT, also use symbolise
verb
If one thing symbolizes another, it is used or regarded as a symbol of it.
A cherry twig is placed in water to symbolize the hope of new life to come. [VERB noun]
...the post-war world order symbolised by the United Nations. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: represent, signify, stand for, mean More Synonyms of symbolize
symbolize in British English
or symbolise (ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz)
verb
1. (transitive)
to serve as or be a symbol of
2. (transitive; usually foll byby)
to represent by a symbol or symbols
3. (intransitive)
to use symbols
4. (transitive)
to treat or regard as symbolic or figurative
Derived forms
symbolization (ˌsymboliˈzation) or symbolisation (ˌsymboliˈsation)
noun
symbolize in American English
(ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz)
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈsymbolˌized or ˈsymbolˌizing
1.
to be a symbol of; typify; stand for
2.
to represent by a symbol or symbols
verb intransitive
3.
to use symbols
Derived forms
symbolization (ˌsymboliˈzation)
noun
symbolizer (ˈsymbolˌizer)
noun
Word origin
Fr symboliser < ML symbolizare
Examples of 'symbolize' in a sentence
symbolize
These flames were meant to symbolize the life of all artificial organisms, and the street should have been glorious with light.
Zindell, David THE BROKEN GOD (2001)
In other languages
symbolize
British English: symbolize VERB
If one thing symbolizes another, it is used or regarded as a symbol of it.
The birth of another baby symbolized hope.
American English: symbolize
Brazilian Portuguese: simbolizar
Chinese: 象征
European Spanish: simbolizar
French: symboliser
German: symbolisieren
Italian: simbolizzare
Japanese: 象徴する
Korean: 상징하다
European Portuguese: simbolizar
Latin American Spanish: simbolizar
(verb)
Definition
to be a symbol of (something)
The fall of the Berlin Wall symbolized the end of the Cold War.
Synonyms
represent
He represents everything that is wrong with the modern world.
signify
The two approaches signified a sharp difference between the men.
stand for
mean
The green signal means that you can go.
exemplify
The character exemplifies doubt and emotional turmoil.
denote
In the table, `DT' denotes quantity demanded.
typify
These buildings typify the rich extremes of the local architecture.
personify
She seemed to personify goodness and nobility.
connote
The word `insecurity' connotes all sorts of things that we strive not to be.
betoken
His demeanour betokened embarrassment at his prosperity.
body forth
Additional synonyms
in the sense of betoken
Definition
to indicate
His demeanour betokened embarrassment at his prosperity.
Synonyms
indicate,
mark,
suggest,
evidence,
promise,
represent,
declare,
manifest,
signify,
denote,
typify,
bode,
bespeak,
augur,
presage,
portend,
prognosticate
in the sense of connote
The word `insecurity' connotes all sorts of things that we strive not to be.
Synonyms
imply,
suggest,
indicate,
intimate,
signify,
hint at,
betoken,
involve
in the sense of denote
Definition
(of a word or phrase) to have as a literal or obvious meaning
In the table, `DT' denotes quantity demanded.
Synonyms
represent,
mean,
stand for,
express,
equal,
substitute for,
correspond to,
symbolize,
equate with,
betoken
Synonyms of 'symbolize'
symbolize
Explore 'symbolize' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of exemplify
Definition
to serve as an example of
The character exemplifies doubt and emotional turmoil.
Synonyms
show,
represent,
display,
demonstrate,
instance,
illustrate,
exhibit,
depict,
manifest,
evidence,
embody,
serve as an example of
in the sense of mean
Definition
to denote, represent, or signify
The green signal means that you can go.
Synonyms
signify,
say,
suggest,
indicate,
represent,
express,
stand for,
convey,
spell out,
purport,
symbolize,
denote,
connote,
betoken
in the sense of personify
Definition
to be the embodiment of
She seemed to personify goodness and nobility.
Synonyms
embody,
represent,
express,
mirror,
exemplify,
symbolize,
typify,
incarnate,
image (rare),
epitomize,
body forth
in the sense of signify
Definition
to indicate or suggest
The two approaches signified a sharp difference between the men.
Synonyms
indicate,
show,
mean,
matter,
suggest,
announce,
evidence,
represent,
express,
imply,
exhibit,
communicate,
intimate,
stand for,
proclaim,
convey,
be a sign of,
symbolize,
denote,
connote,
portend,
betoken,
flag up
in the sense of typify
Definition
to be typical of or characterize
These buildings typify the rich extremes of the local architecture.