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

• symbolicalness noun
• symbolically adverb
• 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

Once recognition is in place—whether through promotions, symbolic awards or even team bonuses—leaders send a message: Glue isn’t invisible anymore.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

So it's not impossible that such a symbolic move might be pursued if the drip-drip of scandal became too much to ignore.

Read more on BBC

One customer, Raphael, who did not want to give his last name, told AFP that the three flags were "symbolic".

Read more on Barron's

"This unique form of symbolic expression belongs to a distinct cultural identity adapted to life in a challenging, arid environment," said Dr. Faisal Al-Jibreen, from the Heritage Commmission, Saudi Ministry of Culture.

Read more on Science Daily

"It's quite symbolic, the way that the weather changes and how our mood mirrors that," says Georgia Alker, a counsellor at Treehouse Wellbeing and Counselling.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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