symbolize
gb/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/ us/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/
B2
英语
~ 8300
义项
0 个义项
动词
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.
用法模式：
to symbolize [idea/quality]
常见错误：
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."
近义词
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.)
反义词
obscure (Means to make something hard to understand or hidden, which is the opposite of clearly representing it as a symbol.)
搭配
symbolize freedom
|symbolize peace
|symbolize hope
|symbolize love
|symbolize power
|symbolize unity
主题
culture
|communication
|art
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
例句
- 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.
学习者例句
- 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.
动词
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.
用法模式：
to symbolize [quality/era] for [people]
常见错误：
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.
近义词
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.)
反义词
contradict (If something contradicts an idea, it clearly goes against it instead of serving as its symbol or example.)
搭配
symbolize success
|symbolize the nation
|symbolize modern life
|symbolize a new era
|symbolize change
|symbolize youth
主题
society
|culture
|history
|communication
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
例句
- 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.
学习者例句
- 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.
动词
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.
用法模式：
to symbolize [quantity/operation] with [symbol]
常见错误：
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").
近义词
denote (Technical and formal; often used in mathematics and logic as a near-equivalent for "symbolize.")
反义词
spell out (To write or explain something in full words, rather than using abbreviated signs or symbols.)
搭配
symbolize a variable
|symbolize an operation
|symbolize a sound
|symbolize a relationship
|symbolize a function
|symbolize a set
主题
science
|education
|mathematics
|technology
例句
- 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.
学习者例句
- 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.
语法
词典原形
symbolize
IPA
GB/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/
US/sˈɪmbəlˌaɪz/
音节与重音
sym - bol - ize （3 个音节）
Stress on 1st syllable (sym)
词形变化
Verb
- Base: symbolize
- 3rd Person Singular: symbolizes
- Present Participle: symbolizing
- Past: symbolized
词族
相关表达
这个词条暂未关联相关表达。