symbol
gb/sˈɪmbəl/ us/sˈɪmbəl/
A2
English
~ 2700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
mark representing an idea
A picture, mark, or object that shows an idea or meaning.
Usage pattern:
[symbol] of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'symbol' with 'symptom'. A symptom is a sign of a medical condition, while a symbol represents an idea or concept.
Synonyms
sign (More general; can refer to any mark or indicator, not always representing abstract concepts.)
|
emblem (Often used for official or formal symbols, such as those of organizations or nations.)
Antonyms
reality (Contrasts with a representation; reality is the actual thing rather than something that stands for it.)
Collocations
national symbol
|religious symbol
|status symbol
|peace symbol
|symbol of freedom
Themes
communication
|culture
|language
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The dove is a universal symbol of peace.
- The heart is a common symbol for love.
- The flag is a powerful national symbol.
- The cross is an important religious symbol in Christianity.
- This logo is the company's official symbol.
Learner examples
- A red rose is a symbol of love.
- The lion is a symbol of strength.
- The star is a symbol on the flag.
- The apple is a symbol in the story.
- The tree is a symbol of life.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
2
written or printed character
A letter, number, or sign used in writing or math.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'symbol' with 'logo'. A logo represents a brand visually, but not all symbols are logos.
Synonyms
character (Refers broadly to any written sign, including letters and symbols.)
Collocations
currency symbol
|mathematical symbol
|chemical symbol
Themes
language
|mathematics
|technology
|communication
|education
|science
Examples
- The dollar sign ($) is the currency symbol for the United States.
- The plus sign (+) is a mathematical symbol for addition.
- H is the chemical symbol for hydrogen.
Learner examples
- $ is the symbol for dollars.
- + is the symbol for plus.
- O is the symbol for oxygen.
Noun
B2
entity
3
person/thing representing an idea
A person or thing that shows a special idea or quality very clearly.
Usage pattern:
[symbol] of [something]
Synonyms
icon (Often used for famous people who represent certain qualities or eras.)
Collocations
symbol of hope
|symbol of change
Themes
culture
|society
|communication
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She became a symbol of the women's rights movement.
- Nelson Mandela is seen as a symbol of freedom and justice.
- The building stands as a symbol of the city's history.
Learner examples
- He is a symbol of courage.
- The old tree is a symbol of the town.
- She is a symbol of kindness.
Grammar
Dictionary form
symbol
IPA
GB/sˈɪmbəl/
US/sˈɪmbəl/
Syllables & stress
sym - bol (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (sym)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: symbol
- Plural: symbols
Word family
Expressions
national symbol
1/nˈæʃnəl sˈɪmbəl/
fixed phrase
emblem representing nation
A picture, object, or sign that represents a country.
Examples
- The maple leaf is a national symbol of Canada.
- The bald eagle is the national symbol of the United States.
status symbol
1/stˈætəs sˈɪmbəl/
fixed phrase
object showing wealth/status
Something you own that shows other people you are rich or important.
Examples
- Owning a luxury car has long been considered a status symbol.
- For many, the latest smartphone is more than just a gadget—it's a status symbol.
symbol of hope
1/sˈɪmbəl əv hˈoʊp/
fixed phrase
thing representing hope
Something that makes people feel hope.
Examples
- The rescued child became a symbol of hope for the whole community.
- The lighthouse was a symbol of hope for sailors.