symbolic
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
using an object, action, or image to represent a bigger idea or a specific meaning.
serving as a symbol; representing a concept, quality, or entity through association or convention.
Simple“The dove is symbolic of peace in many different cultures.”
In context“The use of white in the wedding ceremony was purely symbolic, representing a fresh start and the purity of the couple's intentions.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
describing an action that is done to show a feeling or intention, even if it doesn't change the situation much.
characterised by a token gesture or action that represents an intention without necessarily achieving a practical result.
Simple“The company made a symbolic donation to the charity after the scandal.”
In context“The leader's visit to the border was largely symbolic, as he lacked the legislative authority to implement any actual policy changes.”
UsageOften used to describe political or social gestures that lack real power.
Antonyms
“Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra went on to win Eurovision that same year, in a symbolic show of public support.”
“But summer in England was always a brilliant time and these wrappers are symbolic of that joy.”
From French symbolique or directly from Latin symbolicus, from Ancient Greek συμβολικός (sumbolikós, “of or belonging to a symbol”), equivalent to symbol + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.