Definition
n. a natural object or animal that a group of people sees as a special symbol for their family or tribe. It often represents a shared history or a spiritual connection.
n. an object, animal, or plant serving as the emblem of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry. In a broader sociological sense, it refers to any symbol that serves as a focus for group identity.
Examples
“The tribe carved a tall wooden totem to honor their ancestors.”
“In many indigenous cultures, the eagle serves as a powerful totem representing courage and wisdom.”
“The researcher argued that modern corporate logos often function as a secular totem, providing a sense of belonging and shared purpose to employees across different continents.”
Examples
simple
“The tribe carved a tall wooden totem to honor their ancestors.”
contextual
“In many indigenous cultures, the eagle serves as a powerful totem representing courage and wisdom.”
complex
“The researcher argued that modern corporate logos often function as a secular totem, providing a sense of belonging and shared purpose to employees across different continents.”
Usage
Often used metaphorically to describe any object that represents a group's values or identity.
Real-World Examples
“Different theories had slid into and out of fashion—that the animals were totems of different clans, representations of male and female fertility, or marks made by shamans in altered states of consciousness.” “They need to do better.”
Sanders also said “we are being left behind” as well as being relegated to be “the last ones on the totem pole”.” Etymology
From Ojibwe (o)doodem(an).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- 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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/totem
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR