symbolism
gb/sˈɪmbəlˌɪzəm/ us/sˈɪmbəlˌɪzəm/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
abstract
1
Use of symbols for meaning
the use of objects, images, colors, or actions to stand for deeper ideas or feelings
Usage pattern:
symbolism in [something]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse symbolism with symbol. A symbol is the thing that represents an idea; symbolism is the use of symbols or their meanings.
Synonyms
symbolic representation (more explicit and slightly more formal)
|
imagery (often refers to descriptive or visual language, not only symbols)
|
allegory (a whole story or image system with a hidden symbolic meaning)
Antonyms
literalness (the quality of meaning exactly what is said or shown, without symbolic meaning)
|
realism (representation of things as they are rather than through symbolic meanings)
Collocations
religious symbolism
|political symbolism
|literary symbolism
|visual symbolism
|powerful symbolism
|rich symbolism
|use symbolism
|employ symbolism
|symbolism in art
|symbolism in literature
Themes
art
|literature
|culture
|religion
|communication
Examples
- The novel uses bird symbolism to explore freedom and escape.
- Color symbolism is important in many wedding traditions around the world.
- The director filled the film with religious symbolism, from the lighting to the final image.
Learner examples
- The white dove is an example of symbolism.
- The poem uses symbolism to talk about death.
Noun
B2
abstract
2
Symbolic meaning of something
the deeper meaning that people connect with an object, color, action, or event
Usage pattern:
the symbolism of [something]
Common mistake:
Use the symbolism of something when talking about its meaning: “the symbolism of the flag,” not usually “the symbolism about the flag.”
Synonyms
symbolic meaning (clearer and more direct in everyday explanation)
|
significance (broader; can mean importance as well as symbolic meaning)
|
connotation (refers to suggested associations, especially of words or images)
Antonyms
literal meaning (the direct meaning, without deeper symbolic interpretation)
|
practical effect (what something actually does, rather than what it represents)
Collocations
the symbolism of colors
|the symbolism of the flag
|the symbolism of flowers
|historical symbolism
|cultural symbolism
|national symbolism
|clear symbolism
|obvious symbolism
|complex symbolism
|understand the symbolism
Themes
meaning
|culture
|communication
|society
Examples
- The symbolism of the broken mirror is explained near the end of the film.
- Many people understood the apology’s symbolism, even though it did not change the law.
- The black clothing carried strong symbolism at the protest.
Learner examples
- Do you know the symbolism of this flower?
- The flag has important symbolism for many people.
Noun
formal
C1
entity
3
System of symbols
a group of symbols used together in a particular area or tradition
Usage pattern:
[field/culture] symbolism
Common mistake:
This meaning is more formal and less common than the general meaning “use of symbols.” In everyday English, system of symbols or notation may sound clearer.
Synonyms
notation (used especially for formal symbols in mathematics, music, science, or logic)
|
symbol system (more transparent and common in general explanation)
|
iconography (often refers to the traditional images and symbols used in art or religion)
Antonyms
plain language (communication using ordinary words rather than symbols or notation)
Collocations
mathematical symbolism
|chemical symbolism
|religious symbolism
|alchemical symbolism
|traditional symbolism
|a system of symbolism
|develop a symbolism
|interpret a symbolism
Themes
communication
|education
|science
|religion
|culture
Examples
- Students must learn the basic mathematical symbolism before they can read the proof.
- The temple carvings belong to a complex system of religious symbolism.
- The article explains the symbolism used in medieval maps.
Learner examples
- Music has its own symbolism.
- The chart uses scientific symbolism.
Noun
C1
abstract
4
Symbolist art and literature movement
an art and literature movement that expressed feelings and ideas through symbols rather than realistic detail
Usage pattern:
Symbolism
Common mistake:
This historical movement is often capitalized: Symbolism. Do not confuse it with the general noun symbolism.
Synonyms
Symbolist movement (more explicit name for the historical movement)
|
decadent movement (related literary/artistic movement, not exactly the same)
Antonyms
realism (an artistic approach focused on ordinary life and realistic detail)
|
naturalism (a related realistic movement emphasizing environment, heredity, and social conditions)
Collocations
French Symbolism
|European Symbolism
|the Symbolism movement
|Symbolism in poetry
|Symbolism in painting
|Symbolist art
|Symbolist poetry
Themes
art
|literature
|history
|culture
Examples
- Symbolism influenced many modernist poets and painters.
- The course begins with French Symbolism and then moves on to early modernism.
- In Symbolism, a landscape may suggest a state of mind rather than simply show a real place.
Learner examples
- Symbolism was important in European art.
- The poet is connected with Symbolism.
Grammar
Dictionary form
symbolism
IPA
GB/sˈɪmbəlˌɪzəm/
US/sˈɪmbəlˌɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
sym - bol - ism (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (sym)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: symbolism
- Plural: symbolism, symbolisms
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.