Engelsk

symbolize

gb/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/ us/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/
B2 Engelsk
~ 8300
Betydninger
0 betydninger
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.

Bruksmønster: to symbolize [idea/quality]
Vanlig feil:
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."
Synonymer
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.)
Antonymer
obscure (Means to make something hard to understand or hidden, which is the opposite of clearly representing it as a symbol.)
Ordkombinasjoner
symbolize freedom |symbolize peace |symbolize hope |symbolize love |symbolize power |symbolize unity
Temaer
culture |communication |art |emotions |core_vocabulary
Eksempler
  • 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.
Eksempler for deg som lærer
  • 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.

Bruksmønster: to symbolize [quality/era] for [people]
Vanlig feil:
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.
Synonymer
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.)
Antonymer
contradict (If something contradicts an idea, it clearly goes against it instead of serving as its symbol or example.)
Ordkombinasjoner
symbolize success |symbolize the nation |symbolize modern life |symbolize a new era |symbolize change |symbolize youth
Temaer
society |culture |history |communication |arts_entertainment |core_vocabulary
Eksempler
  • 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.
Eksempler for deg som lærer
  • 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.

Bruksmønster: to symbolize [quantity/operation] with [symbol]
Vanlig feil:
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").
Synonymer
denote (Technical and formal; often used in mathematics and logic as a near-equivalent for "symbolize.")
Antonymer
spell out (To write or explain something in full words, rather than using abbreviated signs or symbols.)
Ordkombinasjoner
symbolize a variable |symbolize an operation |symbolize a sound |symbolize a relationship |symbolize a function |symbolize a set
Temaer
science |education |mathematics |technology
Eksempler
  • 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.
Eksempler for deg som lærer
  • 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.
Grammatikk
Oppslagsform
symbolize
IPA
GB/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/
US/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/
Stavelser og trykk
sym - bol - ize (3 stavelser)
Stress on 1st syllable (sym)
Bøyingsformer
Verb
  • Base: symbolize
  • 3rd Person Singular: symbolizes
  • Present Participle: symbolizing
  • Past: symbolized
Ordfamilie
Forms
symbolizes verb symbolizing verb symbolized verb
Core family
symbol noun A2 symbolic adjective B2 symbolically adverb
Related words
symbolism noun B2 symbolization noun
Uttrykk

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