symbolization

[ sim-buh-luh-zey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of symbolizing.
2. Psychoanalysis. an unconscious mental process whereby one object or idea comes to stand for another through some part, quality, or aspect that the two share in common, with the symbol carrying the emotional feelings vested in the initial object or idea.

Word History and Origins

Origin of symbolization¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; symbolize + -ation

Example Sentences

The discovery is huge for scientists, who were able to identify the blue particles as lapis lazuli — a deep blue, semi-precious rock that was highly prized at the time for its symbolization of royalty and godliness.

From Fox News

“Did my homework on her and her impact on World War II, and not only her, but all the women and females who played a big impact in creating equipment for World War II and it was a symbolization for strong women.”

From Washington Times

“Mr. Ray has made his picture speak a stately and haunting threnody for the noble tradition of music in the cultural life of India in the past,” Bosley Crowther wrote in The New York Times, adding that the music room “is the obvious symbolization of a richness and beauty that are gone.”

From New York Times

The early stages of Stanton’s model include “classification” and “symbolization.”

From Salon

“And I think that’s a very very important symbolization of the growing rapport between the two countries.”

From Washington Times

Related Words

• connotation
• content
• context
• definition
• effect
• essence
• explanation
• hint
• implication
• interpretation
• nuance
• sense
• significance
• spirit
• subject
• substance
• understanding
• value