symbolic

Sometimes sym·bol·i·cal

[sim-bol-ik]

adjective

1. serving as a symbol of something (often followed byof ).

2. of, relating to, or expressed by a symbol.

3. characterized by or involving the use of symbols.

   a highly symbolic poem.

4. (in semantics, especially formerly) pertaining to a class of words that express only relations.

5. Computers.,  expressed in characters, usually nonnumeric, that require translation before they can be used (absolute ).

symbolic

/ sɪmˈbɒlɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to a symbol or symbols

2. serving as a symbol

3. characterized by the use of symbols or symbolism

Other Word Forms

• symbolically adverb
• symbolicalness noun
• nonsymbolic adjective
• nonsymbolical adjective
• nonsymbolically adverb
• nonsymbolicalness noun
• unsymbolic adjective
• unsymbolical adjective
• unsymbolically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of symbolic¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Late Latin symbolicus, from Greek symbolikós; symbol, -ic

Example Sentences

Many legal and medical professionals saw the law as largely symbolic.

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Reparations are measures to make amends for past actions deemed wrong or unfair, and can range from the financial to symbolic.

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The Wye in particular has become symbolic of widespread concerns over the worsening state of the UK's waterways in recent years.

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Perhaps, but it was symbolic of the solitary nature of his position, as he confronts some of the hardest choices of his presidency and some of his former allies appear to be deserting him.

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Meanwhile, a van burst into flames on the same street as the prime minister's residence on the Rue de Varenne on Tuesday morning, in what commentators suggested was symbolic of the continuing political crisis.

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Related Words

• allegorical 
• emblematic 
• figurative 
• significant 
• symptomatic 
• token 
• typical