Definition of symbolism
1 : the art or practice of using symbols especially by investing things with a symbolic meaning or by expressing the invisible or intangible by means of visible or sensuous representations: such asa : artistic imitation or invention that is a method of revealing or suggesting immaterial, ideal, or otherwise intangible truth or statesb : the use of conventional or traditional signs in the representation of divine beings and spirits
2 : a system of symbols or representations
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Examples of symbolism in a Sentence
The story was filled with religious symbolism.
Recent Examples of symbolism from the Web
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But a win would carry big symbolism for Democrats, who continue to struggle to find their political footing after the 2016 loss to Trump.
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Even if the symbolism harks back to China’s past, the brisk pace of construction says something about China’s effort to break new ground literally and figuratively, finding a creative identity distinctly its own.
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As Hawaiian language is often more figurative in its translation than literal — the titles often help round out the themes and symbolism within each episode.
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Partly because of his lofty perch, Cupich bears the brunt of that symbolism.
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Helmand is a hard-fought battlefield that runs deep with symbolism and blood.
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And then there’s a great symbolism that goes with going from zero or 0.1 to minus-0.1 or something like that.
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Still, the summit meeting will be rich in symbolism: Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain will be excluded, a signal that the survival of the European Union will require the other 27 member states to make a fresh start.
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The fat was pervasive and widespread, as inescapable as the symbolism.
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1654
First Known Use of symbolism
1654
Other Psychology Terms
SYMBOLISM Defined for English Language Learners
symbolism
playDefinition of symbolism for English Language Learners
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: the use of symbols to express or represent ideas or qualities in literature, art, etc.
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: the particular idea or quality that is expressed by a symbol
SYMBOLISM Defined for Kids
symbolism
playDefinition of symbolism for Students
1 : the use of symbols to represent an idea or quality The story was filled with symbolism.
2 : the meaning of a symbol What is the symbolism of the lion and lamb in this picture?
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about symbolism
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See words that rhyme with symbolism Spanish Central: Translation of symbolism Nglish: Translation of symbolism for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of symbolism for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about symbolism
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