What does symbolizes mean Meaning and Definition
What does symbolizes mean
Pronunciation
/ˈdɪs ˈsɪmbəlaɪz/
Part of Speech
Verb/Phrase
Definition
To give a meaning or significance to something, typically by association or analogy, often used to explain a concept, idea, or phenomenon.
Examples
- The author sought to symbolize the struggle for freedom in her novel.
- The artist used colors to symbolize different emotions in her paintings.
Synonyms
- Metaphor
- Analogy
- Illustrate
Antonyms
- Deny
- ignore
Etymology
The word “symbolize” originated from the Latin word “symbolicum”, meaning “to denote or signify”, and the Greek word “-symbolon”, meaning “token or emblem”.
Usage Notes
When using the word “symbolize”, it’s important to consider the cultural and social context in which the symbolism is being used, as meanings and associations can vary greatly.
Cultural References
Symbolism is a significant aspect of various cultural and artistic movements, such as Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. Notable works that showcase symbolism include Albert Camus’ “The Stranger” and Eugene Delacroix’s “Liberty Leading the People”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Symbolic of” and “symbolizing” are common idiomatic expressions.
Related Words or Phrases
Related words and phrases include “metaphor”, “analogy”, “illustrate”, and “represent”.
Collocations
Common collocations include “to symbolize a”, “symbolize the”, and “symbolizing by”.
Frequency of Use
The word “symbolize” is commonly used in academic and literary contexts, particularly in discussions of art, literature, and philosophy.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings include “symobolize”, “symobelize”, and “symboilize”.