symbolize

[ sim-buh-lahyz ]

/ ˈsɪm bəˌlaɪz /

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See synonyms for: symbolize / symbolized / symbolizes / symbolizing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), sym·bol·ized, sym·bol·iz·ing.

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

to represent by a symbol or symbols.

to regard or treat as symbolic.

verb (used without object), sym·bol·ized, sym·bol·iz·ing.

to use symbols.

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Also especially British, sym·bol·ise .

Origin of symbolize

From the New Latin word symbolizāre, dating back to 1580–90. See symbol, -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM symbolize

re·sym·bol·ize, verb, re·sym·bol·ized, re·sym·bol·iz·ing.un·sym·bol·ized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use symbolize in a sentence

What a masterly grouping of the events and personages which sum up and symbolise the whole essential history of the human race!
Autobiographical Reminiscences with Family Letters and Notes on Music|Charles Gounod
One day, when he had done a sum in addition without a mistake, Bouvard sewed to his jacket a ribbon to symbolise the Cross.
Bouvard and Pcuchet, part 2|Gustave Flaubert
How can the fleeting shadow symbolise the notion of abiding substance?
The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews|Thomas Charles Edwards
The truth is, that from the earliest period of heraldic institutions, colours have been used to symbolise parties.
Notes and Queries, Number 71, March 8, 1851|Various

The first represents a serpent, coiled so as to symbolise the male triad, and the crescent, the emblem of the yoni.
Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian Symbolism|Thomas Inman

British Dictionary definitions for symbolize

symbolize

symbolise

/ (ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to serve as or be a symbol of

(tr usually foll by by) to represent by a symbol or symbols

(intr) to use symbols

(tr) to treat or regard as symbolic or figurative

Derived forms of symbolize

symbolization or symbolisation, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

symbolize

Origin of symbolize

OTHER WORDS FROM symbolize

Words related to symbolize

How to use symbolize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for symbolize

symbolise

Derived forms of symbolize