Symbolize
ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz
Definitions
To be a symbol of something; to represent something by a symbol.
ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz
To represent something by a symbol or symbols.
The statue of a lion symbolizes strength.
💡 Simply: It's like when you use a picture or object to *stand for* something else. Like a heart symbolizes love, or a flag symbolizes a country.
👶 For kids: To be like a sign for something else. Like, a heart shows love!
More Examples
The color green is often used to symbolize nature and growth.
The character's journey symbolizes the challenges of growing up.
The dove symbolizes peace.
How It's Used
"The dove often symbolizes peace in literature."
"The artist used the color red to symbolize passion."
"A wedding ring symbolizes commitment."
Idioms & expressions
More than meets the eye
Suggesting that something is deeper or more significant than it appears to be on the surface. It symbolizes hidden depths.
"The old house had an unassuming exterior, but there was more than met the eye inside – a secret library and hidden rooms."
From Late Latin *symbolizare*, from Greek *symbolon* (a sign, token, or symbol). The word entered English in the late 16th century.
The word 'symbolize' has been used in various forms since the late 16th century, evolving from the earlier use of 'symbol' and its related derivatives, and gradually being adopted across literature, philosophy and science to illustrate concepts.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'symbol.' To 'symbolize' is to make something a symbol.