symbolize
gb/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/ us/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/
B2
English
~ 8300
jelképez, szimbolizál, megtestesít, jelöl
VERB
B2
1
jelképez
B2
szimbolizál
B2
Usage pattern:
to symbolize [idea/quality]
The white dove often symbolizes peace in paintings and posters.
A fehér galamb a festményeken és plakátokon gyakran a békét jelképezi.
For many people, the national flag symbolizes the struggle for independence.
Sokak számára a nemzeti zászló a függetlenségért folytatott küzdelmet jelképezi.
In this novel, the dark forest symbolizes the characters’ fears and doubts.
The broken chains on the statue symbolize the end of slavery.
Red roses traditionally symbolize romantic love.
Learner examples
The heart shape symbolizes love.
A szív alakja a szerelmet jelképezi.
For some students, exams symbolize stress and worry.
Egyes diákok szemében a vizsgák a stresszt és az aggodalmat jelképezik.
In the movie, the empty chair symbolizes loss.
The ring on his finger symbolizes marriage.
These candles symbolize hope for a better future.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "symbolize" with "mean" or "represent" and use the wrong subject. The subject of "symbolize" is usually the symbol, not the idea (e.g. say "The dove symbolizes peace," not "Peace symbolizes the dove"). Another mistake is spelling: American English uses "symbolize" while British English usually uses "symbolise."
Meaning
represent an idea as a symbol
Collocations
symbolize freedom
|symbolize peace
|symbolize hope
|symbolize love
|symbolize power
|symbolize unity
Synonyms
represent (General word; does not always imply a symbolic or emotional meaning, while "symbolize" usually does.)
|
stand for (More informal and phrasal; often used in the same way as "symbolize" but more common in speech.)
Antonyms
obscure (Means to make something hard to understand or hidden, which is the opposite of clearly representing it as a symbol.)
Themes
culture
|communication
|art
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To show an idea or feeling as a symbol, or to be seen as a symbol of it.
To represent an idea, quality, or concept, especially something abstract, by using a symbol or being treated as a symbol.
VERB
C1
2
megtestesít
C1
jelképez
B2
Usage pattern:
to symbolize [quality/era] for [people]
For many young people, she symbolizes a new kind of political leadership.
Sok fiatal számára ő egy újfajta politikai vezetést testesít meg.
The building’s simple design symbolizes the company’s focus on efficiency.
Az épület egyszerű kialakítása a vállalat hatékonyságközpontú szemléletét testesíti meg.
To his fans, the actor symbolizes courage and honesty.
The small coastal town now symbolizes the damage caused by climate change.
For some, the festival symbolizes the city’s creative spirit.
Learner examples
To many people, he symbolizes hard work and success.
Sokak számára ő a kemény munkát és a sikert testesíti meg.
This old bridge symbolizes the city’s long history.
Ez a régi híd a város hosszú történelmét jelképezi.
For local residents, the park symbolizes community life.
The team’s win symbolizes a fresh start for the club.
The tower now symbolizes the new face of the city.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that in this sense, the subject is usually a person, thing, or place that is seen as the main example of something ("She symbolizes freedom"), not a small graphical symbol. It is close to "embody" and "stand for," but usually involves how people view that person or thing.
Meaning
embody or typify an idea
Collocations
symbolize success
|symbolize the nation
|symbolize modern life
|symbolize a new era
|symbolize change
|symbolize youth
Synonyms
embody (Focuses on having all the main qualities of something; close in meaning but slightly more formal and less about public perception.)
|
epitomize (Very close in meaning but more formal and literary, often used in written analysis or criticism.)
Antonyms
contradict (If something contradicts an idea, it clearly goes against it instead of serving as its symbol or example.)
Themes
society
|culture
|history
|communication
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To be seen by many people as the main example or sign of an idea, quality, or time.
To be widely regarded as the symbol or perfect example of a particular idea, quality, group, or period.
VERB
C1
TECHNICAL
3
jelöl
B1
Usage pattern:
to symbolize [quantity/operation] with [symbol]
In this equation, the letter x symbolizes the number of hours worked.
Ebben az egyenletben az x betű a ledolgozott órák számát jelöli.
On the diagram, the arrows symbolize the direction of the force.
Az ábrán a nyilak az erő irányát jelölik.
Linguists use this special sign to symbolize a particular vowel sound.
In set theory, we usually symbolize the empty set with a crossed circle.
The plus sign is used to symbolize the operation of addition.
Learner examples
In the formula, n symbolizes the number of students.
A képletben az n a diákok számát jelöli.
We use this sign to symbolize the word "and."
Ezzel a jellel jelöljük az „és” szót.
On the map, the blue lines symbolize rivers.
In chemistry, the letters H and O symbolize elements.
In this rule, the arrow symbolizes a change from one form to another.
Common mistake:
Learners may not see that this is a more technical use, often in math, logic, or science, and might use "symbolize" where "mean" or "show" would be more natural in everyday language. In technical writing, it is usually followed by what the symbol stands for ("x symbolizes the distance").
Meaning
represent formally with symbols
Collocations
symbolize a variable
|symbolize an operation
|symbolize a sound
|symbolize a relationship
|symbolize a function
|symbolize a set
Synonyms
denote (Technical and formal; often used in mathematics and logic as a near-equivalent for "symbolize.")
Antonyms
spell out (To write or explain something in full words, rather than using abbreviated signs or symbols.)
Themes
science
|education
|mathematics
|technology
Definition
To show numbers, ideas, or rules in math, logic, or science by using special signs or letters instead of full words.
In mathematics, logic, or other formal systems, to represent a quantity, operation, relationship, or statement by using specific written symbols.
Grammar
Dictionary form
symbolize
IPA
GB/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/
US/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
sym - bol - ize (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (sym)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: symbolize
- 3rd Person Singular: symbolizes
- Present Participle: symbolizing
- Past: symbolized
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.