symbolic

[ sim-bol-ik ]

adjective

1. serving as a symbol of something (often followed by of ).
2. of, relating to, or expressed by a symbol.
3. characterized by or involving the use of symbols:

   a highly symbolic poem.

4. (in semantics, especially formerly) pertaining to a class of words that express only relations. Compare notional ( def 7 ).
5. Computers. expressed in characters, usually nonnumeric, that require translation before they can be used ( absolute ).

symbolic

/ sɪmˈbɒlɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to a symbol or symbols
2. serving as a symbol
3. characterized by the use of symbols or symbolism

Derived Forms

• symˈbolicalness, noun
• symˈbolically, adverb

Other Words From

• sym·boli·cal·ly adverb
• sym·boli·cal·ness noun
• nonsym·bolic adjective
• nonsym·boli·cal adjective
• nonsym·boli·cal·ly adverb
• nonsym·boli·cal·ness noun
• unsym·bolic adjective
• unsym·boli·cal adjective
• unsym·boli·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of symbolic¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Late Latin symbolicus, from Greek symbolikós; symbol, -ic

Example Sentences

But the team also observed brain activity in regions that associate sounds with symbolic meaning.

From Science Daily

A censure motion is politically symbolic but carries no constitutional or legal weight.

From BBC

"However, it’s an overdue symbolic decision to raise the stakes and demonstrate military support to Ukraine."

From BBC

Watts said the Nevada measure is largely “symbolic,” but he “welcomes” people to push the interpretation further so it applies to prison labor.

From Los Angeles Times

“That’s not about being Latino or Asian. It’s about not just symbolic representation but material representation. So that Boyle Heights doesn’t just become a historically Latino community — that it stays one.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• allegorical
• emblematic
• figurative
• significant
• symptomatic
• token
• typical