emblematic
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of emblematic
1635–45; < Greek emblēmat-, stem of émblēma ( see emblem) + -ic
Explanation
Something emblematic is symbolic. Empty buildings are emblematic of a city in decline, and a crown is emblematic of royalty. If you know that an emblem is a visual symbol, then you won't be surprised that emblematic things stand for other things. In fact, the word emblem comes from the French word for symbol. Something emblematic represents a larger issue, good or bad. Sometimes emblematic is used for things that are excellent examples. An A student is an emblematic student, and a war hero is an emblematic soldier. Emblematic people are symbols of what others aspire to be.
Vocabulary lists containing emblematic
Viewing Current Refugee Crisis Through an Anne Frank Lens
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The Namesake
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Words from the 2020 Vice Presidential Debate
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Phillips added that Parton was emblematic of the very values America was built upon and still holds dear, namely "independence" and "freedom to do what you want".
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
Evergrande's 2021 default and the 2024 liquidation order by a Hong Kong court have become emblematic of the broader downturn in China's once-mighty property sector.
From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026
She also pointed out how the Wongs’ personal journey is emblematic of the larger story of immigrant struggle and success that is found in all corners of L.A.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026
Using a phone instead of a laptop to take a job interview is not only a sign of a shift in workplace culture, it’s also emblematic of Gen Z’s relationship with devices.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026
Living with a pet name and a good name, in a place where such distinctions do not exist—surely that was emblematic of the greatest confusion of all.
From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
