symbolize
v.to represent a bigger idea or feeling using a simple object or image. For example, a heart is used to show love.
v.to serve as a representation or emblem of an abstract concept or quality. Often used to describe how physical objects or characters represent deeper themes in literature and art.
“The white dove is used to symbolize peace.”
“In many cultures, the color red is chosen to symbolize luck and prosperity during wedding ceremonies.”
“The crumbling mansion in the novel is intended to symbolize the slow decay of the family's social standing and moral integrity over several generations.”
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It is frequently used in the passive voice when describing artistic or cultural meanings.
Symbolize is a transitive verb and does not require a preposition like 'of' before its object.
“Using creative, art-based techniques, they shared what alcohol and zero-alcohol drinks symbolized for them and whether they thought zero-alcohol could replace alcohol for young people.”
“For over two decades, these business districts have symbolised one of the Philippines' biggest economic success stories.”
From Middle French symboliser.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.