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symbolic

/sɪmˈbɒl.ɪk/
IELTSAcademic
adjective

Showing or representing an idea, feeling, or belief. Something symbolic has a deeper meaning beyond its literal form.

  • The flag is symbolic of national pride.
  • Her gift was symbolic, not expensive.
  • The ceremony was symbolic of new beginnings.

Adinary Nuance

Symbolic is used when something stands for a bigger idea, not just itself. It is different from literal, which means exact and direct. It can also be closer to representative than descriptive, because it points to meaning beyond the object or action.

In other languages

Vietnamese
mang tính biểu tượng
Spanish
simbólico
Chinese
象征性的
Japanese
象徴的な
Korean
상징적인

Etymology

Symbolic comes from symbol, from Greek symbolon, meaning a sign or token. It entered English through Late Latin and French.

Common phrases

symbolic ofsymbolic gesturesymbolic actsymbolic value

Synonyms

representative (opens in new tab)meaningful (opens in new tab)emblematic (opens in new tab)

Related words

symbol (opens in new tab)signmetaphor (opens in new tab)ritual (opens in new tab)

Frequently asked questions

Is symbolic the same as literal?
No. Symbolic means it has a deeper meaning. Literal means exactly what it says.
Can I use symbolic in academic writing?
Yes. It is common in academic and IELTS writing, especially for analysis and interpretation.
What is a symbolic gesture?
It is an action done mainly to show meaning, not to create a real change.