symbolize
gb/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/ us/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/
B2
English
~ 8300
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
represent an idea as a symbol
To show an idea or feeling as a symbol, or to be seen as a symbol of it.
Usage pattern:
to symbolize [idea/quality]
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."
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.)
Collocations
symbolize freedom
|symbolize peace
|symbolize hope
|symbolize love
|symbolize power
|symbolize unity
Themes
culture
|communication
|art
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The white dove often symbolizes peace in paintings and posters.
- For many people, the national flag symbolizes the struggle for independence.
- 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.
- For some students, exams symbolize stress and worry.
- In the movie, the empty chair symbolizes loss.
- The ring on his finger symbolizes marriage.
- These candles symbolize hope for a better future.
Verb
C1
state
2
embody or typify an idea
To be seen by many people as the main example or sign of an idea, quality, or time.
Usage pattern:
to symbolize [quality/era] for [people]
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.
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.)
Collocations
symbolize success
|symbolize the nation
|symbolize modern life
|symbolize a new era
|symbolize change
|symbolize youth
Themes
society
|culture
|history
|communication
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- For many young people, she symbolizes a new kind of political leadership.
- The building’s simple design symbolizes the company’s focus on efficiency.
- 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.
- This old bridge symbolizes the city’s long history.
- 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.
Verb
technical
C1
action
3
represent formally with symbols
To show numbers, ideas, or rules in math, logic, or science by using special signs or letters instead of full words.
Usage pattern:
to symbolize [quantity/operation] with [symbol]
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").
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.)
Collocations
symbolize a variable
|symbolize an operation
|symbolize a sound
|symbolize a relationship
|symbolize a function
|symbolize a set
Themes
science
|education
|mathematics
|technology
Examples
- In this equation, the letter x symbolizes the number of hours worked.
- On the diagram, the arrows symbolize the direction of the force.
- 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.
- We use this sign to symbolize the word "and."
- 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.
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.