symbolism — The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities; an artistic and literary movement emphasizing symbolic meaning
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities; an artistic and literary movement emphasizing symbolic meaning
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm/
Example Sentences
- The teacher spent an hour explaining the symbolism in Gatsby's green light, but I still think it's just a lamp.
- The movie was heavy with symbolism, from the recurring butterfly motif to the color red representing passion.
- My art professor said my painting lacked symbolism, so I added a banana and called it 'existential fruit crisis.'
symbolism
NOUN[/ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm/]
The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities; an artistic and literary movement emphasizing symbolic meaning
The dove and olive branch in her painting show powerful symbolism of peace after war.
Between idealism and realism, symbolism paints the truth
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From French 'symbolisme', derived from Late Latin 'symbolus' meaning 'sign or token', which came from Greek 'symbolon' (a sign or emblem formed by breaking an object in two).
Breakdown
symbol (from Greek symbolon, a sign) + -ism (system, practice, or condition) = symbolism
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teacher spent an hour explaining the symbolism in Gatsby's green light, but I still think it's just a lamp.”
“The movie was heavy with symbolism, from the recurring butterfly motif to the color red representing passion.”
“My art professor said my painting lacked symbolism, so I added a banana and called it 'existential fruit crisis.'”
“The symbolism movement in literature emphasized emotional expression through metaphorical imagery.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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