symbolize Hear it!

symbolize Definition

sym·bol·ize (-līz′)

transitive verb -·ized′, -·iz′·ing

  1. to be a symbol of; typify; stand for
  2. to represent by a symbol or symbols

Etymology: Fr symboliser < ML symbolizare

intransitive verb

to use symbols

symbolize Related Forms
sym′·boli·za′·tion noun sym′·bol·iz′er noun
symbolize Synonyms

symbolize

v.

typify, signify, express; see mean 1.

symbolize Usage Examples

Object

  • purity: Pearls have been considered ideal wedding gifts because they symbolize purity and innocence.
  • fertility: Later, during the Roman era, flowers were used to symbolize fertility.
  • unity: It symbolizes family unity and honors the past and present generations.
  • wealth: In Feng Shui coins represent the element metal and symbolize wealth.
  • spirit: And to them, the Great Stone symbolizes the Great Spirit.
  • strength: Placement of a mountain behind your desk symbolizes strength.

Subject

  • fact: That is wonderfully symbolized by the fact that each person heard the gospel in their own language.
  • figure: Here and there a few towns and cities are included symbolized by figures crowned with castles and spires.
  • transformation: The sea change in the political sphere is best symbolized by the transformation of Green Island.

Modifying Another Word

  • often: Thus, the Land, which is of vital importance to Druids, is often symbolized in the form of a goddess of sovereignty.
  • also: The three shepherds are also symbolized in the sky.
  • only: That fence only symbolizes the fence inside the heads on both sides, it won´t change anything and it won´t protect anybody.
  • thus: He invited the people in the dais to light a lamp - thus symbolizing the beginning of the workshop.
  • perhaps: The tramps repetitive inspection of their empty hats perhaps symbolizes mankind's vain search for answers within the vacuum of a universe.
  • clearly: He is holding a book in his right hand with an owl on top, clearly symbolizing wisdom.

Used with why or when

  • what: They symbolize what we all want: beauty, fame, wealth.

Present participle complement

  • mourn: Thousands of people, including the families of victims, wore black or yellow ribbons, symbolizing mourning and hope.

Preposition: by

  • fact: That is wonderfully symbolized by the fact that each person heard the gospel in their own language.
  • figure: Here and there a few towns and cities are included symbolized by figures crowned with castles and spires.
  • transformation: The sea change in the political sphere is best symbolized by the transformation of Green Island.