Word
Definitions
01representing an idea
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. using an object, action, or image to represent a bigger idea or a specific meaning.
adj. serving as a symbol; representing a concept, quality, or entity through association or convention.
日本語:象徴的※
“The dove is symbolic of peace in many different cultures.”
“The use of white in the wedding ceremony was purely symbolic, representing a fresh start and the purity of the couple's intentions.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02done for show
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. describing an action that is done to show a feeling or intention, even if it doesn't change the situation much.
adj. characterised by a token gesture or action that represents an intention without necessarily achieving a practical result.
日本語:象徴的※
“The company made a symbolic donation to the charity after the scandal.”
“The leader's visit to the border was largely symbolic, as he lacked the legislative authority to implement any actual policy changes.”
Usage
Often used to describe political or social gestures that lack real power.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “symbolic” in context.
Verb
01. attach symbolic meaning to objects
“Many cultures attach symbolic meaning to objects found in nature, such as stones or feathers.”
verb + adj + noun + prep + noun
02. carry symbolic weight
“The crown carries immense symbolic weight, representing the continuity of the monarchy.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
03. highly symbolic
“The handshake between the two leaders was highly symbolic, marking the end of decades of hostility.”
adv + adj
04. symbolic of the struggle
“The crumbling monument became symbolic of the struggle for independence in the region.”
adj + prep + noun
Noun
05. symbolic gesture of peace
“Releasing the prisoners was seen as a symbolic gesture of peace before the negotiations began.”
adj + noun + of + noun
06. symbolic importance of the event
“Historians often debate the symbolic importance of the event rather than its immediate political impact.”
adj + noun + of + noun
07. symbolic value of the currency
“The new coins have little purchasing power, but the symbolic value of the currency remains high for the citizens.”
adj + noun + of + noun
Real-World Examples
“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.” “For him, the muted response among some black and leftwing voters to Lammy’s departure from government illustrated the limits of symbolic progress.” Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/symbolic
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「日本語」「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0