had been symbolizing

• past perfect progressive

  past perfect progressive

  Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.

  of symbolize.
  symbolize

  verb (used with object)

  to be a symbol of; stand for or represent in the manner of a symbol.

Related Words

• embody
• epitomize
• exemplify
• illustrate
• indicate
• mean
• mirror
• personify
• signify
• suggest
• typify