symbolism
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
using an object, person, or color to represent a bigger idea.
the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities; the attribution of symbolic meaning to objects, events, or relationships.
Simple“In the story, the white dove is used as symbolism for peace.”
In context“The author employs religious symbolism throughout the novel to underscore the protagonist's internal struggle with morality.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun when discussing a style or technique.
SynonymsAntonymsliteralism - 02 C1 Advanced
a group of artists and writers in the late 1800s who used symbols to show deep truths.
a late 19th-century movement in art and literature that used symbolic images and indirect suggestion to express mystical ideas and emotions.
Simple“The museum has a famous collection of paintings from the era of French symbolism.”
In context“Symbolism emerged as a reaction against the rigid objectivity of naturalism, favoring the evocative power of dreams and visions.”
UsageUsually capitalized when referring specifically to the historical movement.
Teacher's tipIn art history contexts, remind students that this refers to a specific group of artists, not just the general use of symbols.
Antonyms
“As with most Tudor-era paintings, it is filled with symbolism and hidden meanings.”
“The netting also added the symbolism of malaria, one of Uganda’s biggest health problems.”
From symbol + -ism, sense 2 being a semantic loan from French symbolisme.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.