symbolic
Meaning beyond literal
Symbolic describes something that represents something else through association or convention rather than literal resemblance.
A dove is symbolic of peace; a wedding ring is symbolic of commitment.
The symbolic meaning of an act often matters more than its practical effect: The gesture was purely symbolic.
In logic and mathematics, symbolic refers to the use of symbols rather than words: symbolic logic.
Highest point or tuft
- coat of armsHereditary symbolic emblem
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- badgeWorn symbol of membership
- sealAuthentication stamp or mark
banner · flag · pennant · standard · shield · sigil · heraldry · armorial
Implied identity comparison
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- parableInstructive allegorical narrative
- analogyExplanatory likeness between things
- imageryVivid descriptive language
allusion · metonymy · synecdoche · personification · simile · idiom · euphemism · innuendo
Original model for copies
- epitomePerfect representative of type
- embodimentConcrete manifestation of idea
- quintessencePurest embodiment of something
- exemplarTypical perfect instance
paragon · prototype · avatar · icon · idol · touchstone · personification · representation
Distilling to essential qualities
- conceptAbstract mental construct
- meaningWhat something signifies
- essenceFundamental nature of something
- significationExpressed or intended meaning
semiotics · connotation · denotation · intangible · immaterial · theoretical · philosophy · metaphysics
Inherited cultural legacy
- traditionsLong-established customs passed down
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- mythologyBody of traditional tales
ceremonies · rites · totems · beliefs · values · taboos · cosmology · ancestor worship
What something signifies
- importanceState of mattering
- weightMeasure of heaviness
- depthDistance below surface
- resonanceAmplified oscillation at natural frequency
import · implication · relevance · gravity · consequence · portent · profundity · momentousness
Formal event marking occasions
- sacramentSacred ritual conveying grace
- riteCeremonial act or practice
- liturgyFormal worship structure
- communionProfound shared closeness
baptism · consecration · ordination · initiation · sacrifice · altar · incense · vestments
crest
Highest point or tuft
- coat of armsHereditary symbolic emblem
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- badgeWorn symbol of membership
seal · banner · flag · pennant · standard · shield · sigil · heraldry · armorial · regalia
metaphor
Implied identity comparison
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- parableInstructive allegorical narrative
- analogyExplanatory likeness between things
imagery · allusion · metonymy · synecdoche · personification · simile · idiom · euphemism · innuendo · subtext
archetype
Original model for copies
- epitomePerfect representative of type
- embodimentConcrete manifestation of idea
- quintessencePurest embodiment of something
exemplar · paragon · prototype · avatar · icon · idol · touchstone · personification · representation · figuration
abstraction
Distilling to essential qualities
- conceptAbstract mental construct
- meaningWhat something signifies
- essenceFundamental nature of something
signification · semiotics · connotation · denotation · intangible · immaterial · theoretical · philosophy · metaphysics · universality
heritage
Inherited cultural legacy
- traditionsLong-established customs passed down
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
mythology · ceremonies · rites · totems · beliefs · values · taboos · cosmology · ancestor worship · sacred objects
meaning
What something signifies
- importanceState of mattering
- weightMeasure of heaviness
- depthDistance below surface
resonance · import · implication · relevance · gravity · consequence · portent · profundity · momentousness · substance
ceremony
Formal event marking occasions
communion · baptism · consecration · ordination · initiation · sacrifice · altar · incense · vestments · chalice
- literary adjectivespoetic, lyrical, prosaic, narrative, elegiac
- nominalnominal, titular, figurehead, in name only, token
- semioticssign, signifier, signified, signification, signs
- art adjectivesbold, bright, colorful, dark, delicate
- poetry termspoetry, rhyme, verse, rhythm, meter
- depiction stylesrealistic, stylized, abstract, representational, figurative
symbolicliteral
Meaning exactly what's said
actual · explicit · direct · straightforward · plain
symbolicfunctional
Able to operate correctly
practical · substantive · effective · operative · actual
- 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
symbol, symbols, symbolize, symbolism, symbolized, symbolizes, symbolizing, symbolically, symbolist