symbolize
gb/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/ us/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/
B2
Англійська
~ 8300
Значення
0 значень
Дієслово
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.
Модель уживання:
to symbolize [idea/quality]
Поширена помилка:
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."
Синоніми
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.)
Антоніми
obscure (Means to make something hard to understand or hidden, which is the opposite of clearly representing it as a symbol.)
Словосполучення
symbolize freedom
|symbolize peace
|symbolize hope
|symbolize love
|symbolize power
|symbolize unity
Теми
culture
|communication
|art
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Приклади
- 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.
Навчальні приклади
- 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.
Дієслово
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.
Модель уживання:
to symbolize [quality/era] for [people]
Поширена помилка:
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.
Синоніми
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.)
Антоніми
contradict (If something contradicts an idea, it clearly goes against it instead of serving as its symbol or example.)
Словосполучення
symbolize success
|symbolize the nation
|symbolize modern life
|symbolize a new era
|symbolize change
|symbolize youth
Теми
society
|culture
|history
|communication
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Приклади
- 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.
Навчальні приклади
- 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.
Дієслово
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.
Модель уживання:
to symbolize [quantity/operation] with [symbol]
Поширена помилка:
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").
Синоніми
denote (Technical and formal; often used in mathematics and logic as a near-equivalent for "symbolize.")
Антоніми
spell out (To write or explain something in full words, rather than using abbreviated signs or symbols.)
Словосполучення
symbolize a variable
|symbolize an operation
|symbolize a sound
|symbolize a relationship
|symbolize a function
|symbolize a set
Теми
science
|education
|mathematics
|technology
Приклади
- 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.
Навчальні приклади
- 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.
Граматика
Словникова форма
symbolize
IPA
GB/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/
US/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/
Склади й наголос
sym - bol - ize (3 склади)
Stress on 1st syllable (sym)
Форми слова
Verb
- Base: symbolize
- 3rd Person Singular: symbolizes
- Present Participle: symbolizing
- Past: symbolized
Споріднені слова
Вирази
Для цієї словникової статті ще немає пов’язаних виразів.