Word
symbolism
Phoneticssym·bol·ism
US/ˈsɪmbəˌɫɪzəm/
UK/sˈɪmbəlˌɪzəm/
Definitions
01representing ideas
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. using an object, person, or color to represent a bigger idea.
n. the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities; the attribution of symbolic meaning to objects, events, or relationships.
Español:simbolismo
“In the story, the white dove is used as symbolism for peace.”
“The author employs religious symbolism throughout the novel to underscore the protagonist's internal struggle with morality.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02art movement
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Theater Academic · Technical
n. a group of artists and writers in the late 1800s who used symbols to show deep truths.
n. a late 19th-century movement in art and literature that used symbolic images and indirect suggestion to express mystical ideas and emotions.
“The museum has a famous collection of paintings from the era of French symbolism.”
“Symbolism emerged as a reaction against the rigid objectivity of naturalism, favoring the evocative power of dreams and visions.”
Antonyms
Usage
Often paired with the preposition 'of' to identify the concept being represented.
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From symbol + -ism, sense 2 being a semantic loan from French symbolisme.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/symbolism
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0