symbolism

[sim-buh-liz-uhm]

noun

1. the practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing things with a symbolic meaning or character.

2. a set or system of symbols.

3. symbolic meaning or character.

4. the principles and practice of symbolists in art or literature.

5. (initial capital letter),  a movement of the late 19th century in French art and literature.

6. the use of any of certain special figures or marks of identification to signify a religious message or divine being, as the cross for Christ and the Christian faith.

symbolism

/ ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the representation of something in symbolic form or the attribution of symbolic meaning or character to something

2. a system of symbols or symbolic representation

3. a symbolic significance or quality

4. (often capital) a late 19th-century movement in art that sought to express mystical or abstract ideas through the symbolic use of images See also synthetism

5. theol any symbolist interpretation of the Eucharist

Word History and Origins

Origin of symbolism¹

First recorded in 1645–55; symbol + -ism

Example Sentences

They are seeking something else: order, symbolism, and a sense of calm in an increasingly unpredictable environment.

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But most of the time, the symbolism of demonic possession violating the “purity” of the small, usually blonde girl is slightly less blunt.

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At No Kings rallies, many Democrats gave speeches and made common cause with protesters, reveling in violent symbolism, mocking Charlie Kirk’s assassination and calling for ICE agents to be gunned down.

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Presidential proclamations can shape its symbolism but not alter its official status.

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It took a few more years and additional pressures to unseat the ruling party, but the symbolism was stunning and effective.

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Related Words

• metaphor