EMBLEMATIC

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does emblematic mean? 

• EMBLEMATIC (adjective)
  The adjective EMBLEMATIC has 2 senses:

1. serving as a visible symbol for something abstract

2. being or serving as an illustration of a type

  Familiarity information: EMBLEMATIC used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• EMBLEMATIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Serving as a visible symbol for something abstract

Synonyms:

emblematic; emblematical; symbolic; symbolical

Context example:

the spinning wheel was as symbolic of colonical Massachusetts as the codfish

Similar:

representative (standing for something else)

Derivation:

emblem (special design or visual object representing a quality, type, group, etc.)

emblem (a visible symbol representing an abstract idea)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Being or serving as an illustration of a type

Synonyms:

emblematic; exemplary; typic

Context example:

an action exemplary of his conduct

Similar:

typical (exhibiting the qualities or characteristics that identify a group or kind or category)

Derivation:

emblem (special design or visual object representing a quality, type, group, etc.)

emblem (a visible symbol representing an abstract idea)

 Context examples 

Tree sloths are among the most emblematic tree-dwelling mammals.

(Putting the sloth in sloths: Arboreal lifestyle drives slow pace, NSF)