Skip to main content

symbolic — representing or serving as a symbol of something; having significant meaning beyond the literal

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: representing or serving as a symbol of something; having significant meaning beyond the literal

Pronunciation (IPA): /sɪmˈbɑːlɪk/

Example Sentences

  • My cat knocking things off the table every morning is symbolic of our entire relationship — she's in charge, I just pay rent.
  • The wedding ring is symbolic of eternal love, even though rings can technically be returned within 30 days.
  • Breaking ground on the new building was largely a symbolic act, since construction wouldn't actually start for months.

symbolic

ADJECTIVE

[/sɪmˈbɑːlɪk/]

representing or serving as a symbol of something; having significant meaning beyond the literal

The dove she released was symbolic of peace after the long war.
💡 Concept

The dove she released was symbolic of peace after the long war.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/sɪmˈbɑːlɪk/
🇬🇧 UK/sɪmˈbɒlɪk/

🌳Etymology

Rootsymbol
Suffix--ic

Origin

From Greek symbolon, meaning 'token of identity' or 'mark,' originally from syn- (together) + ballein (to throw). The -ic suffix forms the adjective.

Breakdown

sym- (together) + bol- (throw/place) + -ic (adjective suffix, 'relating to')

🎵Rhyme

iconic
ironic
chronic

🔗Collocations

symbolic meaning
symbolic gesture
purely symbolic
symbolic value
symbolic significance
symbolic representation
highly symbolic

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My cat knocking things off the table every morning is symbolic of our entire relationship — she's in charge, I just pay rent.”

😄 Fun example

“The wedding ring is symbolic of eternal love, even though rings can technically be returned within 30 days.”

“Breaking ground on the new building was largely a symbolic act, since construction wouldn't actually start for months.”

😄 Fun example

“The company gave employees a symbolic $1 bonus to 'celebrate' record profits, which employees found symbolic of something else entirely.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.