SYMBOLIC

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does symbolic mean? 

• SYMBOLIC (adjective)
  The adjective SYMBOLIC has 3 senses:

1. relating to or using or proceeding by means of symbols

2. serving as a visible symbol for something abstract

3. using symbolism

  Familiarity information: SYMBOLIC used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SYMBOLIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Relating to or using or proceeding by means of symbols

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Synonyms:

symbolic; symbolical

Context example:

symbolic thinking

Pertainym:

symbol (an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance)

Derivation:

symbol (an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance)

Sense 2

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:

symbol (something visible that by association or convention represents something else that is invisible)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Using symbolism

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

symbolic art

Pertainym:

symbolism (a system of symbols and symbolic representations)

 Context examples 

Evidently, the red tufts of hair must have had symbolic value for these social groups.

(Hair was dyed for first time as part of funeral rituals, University of Granada)

All this without that diabolic aid which is surely to him; for it have to yield to the powers that come from, and are, symbolic of good.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

What is important about it is that it demonstrates the statue locations themselves are not a weird ritual place – the ahu and moai represent ritual in a sense of there is symbolic meaning to them, but they are integrated into the lives of the community," said study co-author Professor Carl Lipo of Binghamton University.

(Scientists report correlation between locations of Easter Island statues and water resources, Wikinews)

She said "It is the only version of the declaration that does that, with the exception of an engraving from 1836 that derives from it. This is really a symbolic way of saying we are all one people..."

(Parchment Copy of Declaration of Independence Found in Small British Town, VOA)