Reading Theme:
Symbolic: Definition, Meaning, and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：representing something else (symbolic)
symbolic
/sɪmˈbɒlɪk/
adj.
Used as a symbol to represent something else; having a meaning beyond the obvious.
representing something else
➕
/ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntɪŋ ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɛls/
adj.
Describing something that stands for or represents an idea, quality, or concept beyond its literal meaning.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'symbolon' (sym- together + ballein to throw) + -ic, meaning 'thrown together' as a sign or token.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'symbol' plus 'ic' — like a heart 'ic' image representing love, not just an organ.
📖 Example
In many cultures, the act of exchanging rings during a wedding is highly symbolic, representing the couple's eternal love and commitment.
The exchange of wedding rings is highly symbolic, representing eternal love and commitment.
🔗 Collocations
highly symbolic – Very meaningful as a symbol
symbolic meaning – The deeper significance represented
symbolic gesture – An action that conveys a message beyond itself
🔄 Synonyms
representative (adj.) – Serving as a symbol or example of something
emblematic (adj.) – Serving as a visual symbol of a quality or concept
figurative (adj.) – Not literal; using symbols or metaphors
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
symbolically (adv.) – In a way that uses or involves symbols
symbolism (n.) – The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities
symbolize (v.) – To be a symbol of something
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from ancient Greek 'symbolon', a broken piece of pottery used as a proof of identity when matched. It evolved to represent any object or act that stands for an abstract idea.
Meaning 2：being a famous symbol of a place (symbolic)
symbolic
/sɪmˈbɒlɪk/
adj.
Being an important and famous symbol of a particular idea, place, or group.
being a famous symbol of a place
➕
/ˈbiːɪŋ ə ˈfeɪməs ˈsɪmbəl əv ə pleɪs/
adj.
Describing something that is widely recognized as a significant symbol for a specific location, idea, or group.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The Eiffel Tower is not just a metal structure; it is a symbolic landmark of Paris recognized all over the world.
The Eiffel Tower is a symbolic landmark of Paris recognized worldwide.
🔗 Collocations
symbolic landmark – A famous structure that represents a place
symbolic figure – A person or image that stands for an idea or group
symbolic representation – An object or sign that conveys a broader meaning
🔄 Synonyms
iconic (adj.) – Widely recognized and symbolic of something
emblematic (adj.) – Serving as a symbol of a particular quality or concept
representative (adj.) – Typical of a particular category or group
🚫 Antonyms
unrepresentative (adj.) – Not typical or symbolic of a group or idea
obscure (adj.) – Not well known or recognized as a symbol
literal (adj.) – Having a straightforward meaning without symbolic significance
🌱 Derivatives
symbolically (adv.) – In a symbolic manner
symbolize (v.) – To serve as a symbol of
symbolism (n.) – The practice of representing things by symbols
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