symbol
Sign representing something
A symbol is something that represents something else by association or convention.
A dove symbolizes peace; a skull symbolizes death.
Letters are symbols for sounds, and mathematical symbols stand for operations or quantities.
The word extends to any object, image, or mark that carries meaning beyond itself: The ring became a symbol of their commitment.
To symbolize is to serve as or represent through symbols.
Meaning-bearing form
- denotationWord's explicit dictionary meaning
- connotationImplied sense, not dictionary
- referentWhat a term designates
- signMark conveying information
icon · index · token · semantics · meaning · significance · interpretation · encoding
Mark conveying information
warning · omen · token · portent · harbinger · index · pointer · symptom
Visual form of character
- characterNature, symbol, or role
- numeralSymbol denoting quantity
- letterWritten symbol or message
- cipherHidden writing system
code · ideogram · pictogram · hieroglyph · logogram · rune · ampersand · asterisk
Highest point or tuft
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- badgeWorn symbol of membership
- sealAuthentication stamp or mark
- coat of armsHereditary symbolic emblem
flag · banner · logo · pennant · medallion · monogram · hallmark · sigil
Spiritual clan symbol
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
- mythologyBody of traditional tales
folklore · national · patriotic · tribal · ancestral · ceremonial · identity · mascot
Pass from side to side
- crescentCurved sickle-like arc
- Star of DavidJewish religious emblem
- omHindu meditative chant
- yin yangComplementary opposing forces
lotus · ankh · mandala · dharma wheel · menorah · hamsa · triskelion · evil eye
signifier
Meaning-bearing form
- denotationWord's explicit dictionary meaning
- connotationImplied sense, not dictionary
- referentWhat a term designates
sign · icon · index · token · semantics · meaning · significance · interpretation · encoding · decoding
sign
Mark conveying information
clue · warning · omen · token · portent · harbinger · index · pointer · symptom · evidence
glyph
Visual form of character
cipher · code · ideogram · pictogram · hieroglyph · logogram · rune · ampersand · asterisk · diacritic
crest
Highest point or tuft
coat of arms · flag · banner · logo · pennant · medallion · monogram · hallmark · sigil · heraldry
totem
Spiritual clan symbol
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
mythology · folklore · national · patriotic · tribal · ancestral · ceremonial · identity · mascot · icon
cross
Pass from side to side
- crescentCurved sickle-like arc
- Star of DavidJewish religious emblem
- omHindu meditative chant
yin yang · lotus · ankh · mandala · dharma wheel · menorah · hamsa · triskelion · evil eye · rosary
diagram
Simplified explanatory sketch
- circuitClosed electrical pathway
- flowchartDiagram showing workflow steps
- blueprintDetailed technical drawing
legend · key · icon · marker · notation · annotation · reference · wiring · technical drawing · floor plan
- visual mediafilm, video, drawing, photograph, television
- S wordssay, see, set, sit, son
- cultural historyart history, music history, cultural artifacts, cultural memory, cultural movements
- graphicsvector, shapes, 3D graphics, raster, 3D rendering
- mythsmyth, legend, fable, fairy tale, folk tale
- brandingbrand identity, brand, brand equity, taglines, logos
symbolreality
What actually exists
referent · actuality · signified · the real thing · substance
symbolliteral
Meaning exactly what's said
literalism · denotation · literal meaning · plain language · face value
- biohazard symbolIcon denoting infectious materials
- recycling symbolMark indicating reprocessability
- status symbolsObjects signaling wealth
- sex symbolFamously attractive public figure
- peace symbolAnti-war movement emblem
- currency symbolsCharacters denoting monetary units
symbolic, symbols, symbolize, symbolism, symbolized, symbolizes, symbolizing, symbolically, symbolist