symbolically
In figurative terms
Symbolically means in a way that represents something beyond the literal action or object.
A gesture can be symbolically important even if practically meaningless: Symbolically, the handshake between the two leaders marked a new era.
To act symbolically is to convey meaning through representation rather than direct effect: She symbolically released the bird to honor her late mother.
Symbolically, not literally
- allegoricallyIn symbolic narrative form
- figurativelyIn non-literal terms
- representationallyIn depicting manner
- emblematicallyIn a representing manner
analogously · allusively · connotatively · implicitly · suggestively · evocatively · meaningfully · expressively
Expressing or conveying meaning
- denotingIndicating by name
- connotingImplying beyond literal meaning
- encodingConverting data to format
- decodingExtracting meaning from symbols
semiotics · signification · referent · signifier · meaning-making · interpretation · hermeneutics · representation
In blazon terms
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- crestHighest point or tuft
- badgeWorn symbol of membership
- bannerDisplayed strip with message
flag · seal · coat of arms · regalia · totem · sigil · monogram · standard
In formal ritual manner
- rituallyIn formal repeated manner
- sacramentallyIn religious ceremony manner
- consecrationDedicating to sacred purpose
- blessingPrayer seeking divine favor
anointing · baptism · communion · offerings · libation · incense · vestments · procession
Ancient Egyptian picture-writing
- runesOld Germanic script
- glyphsCarved symbolic figures
- mandalasRitual circular diagrams
- sacred geometrySymbolic patterns with spiritual significance
totems · icons · motifs · frescoes · mosaics · pictographs · ideograms · petroglyphs
With significance or intent
- significantlyTo meaningful extent
- profoundlyTo an extreme degree
- resonantlyWith sustained vibration
- weightilyWith great seriousness
portentously · momentously · consequentially · importantly · gravely · substantively · deeply · tellingly
metaphorically
Symbolically, not literally
- allegoricallyIn symbolic narrative form
- figurativelyIn non-literal terms
- representationallyIn depicting manner
emblematically · analogously · allusively · connotatively · implicitly · suggestively · evocatively · meaningfully · expressively · poetically
signifying
Expressing or conveying meaning
decoding · semiotics · signification · referent · signifier · meaning-making · interpretation · hermeneutics · representation · semantically
heraldically
In blazon terms
banner · flag · seal · coat of arms · regalia · totem · sigil · monogram · standard · pennant
ceremonially
In formal ritual manner
- rituallyIn formal repeated manner
- sacramentallyIn religious ceremony manner
- consecrationDedicating to sacred purpose
blessing · anointing · baptism · communion · offerings · libation · incense · vestments · procession · invocation
hieroglyphs
Ancient Egyptian picture-writing
sacred geometry · totems · icons · motifs · frescoes · mosaics · pictographs · ideograms · petroglyphs · religious imagery
meaningfully
With significance or intent
- significantlyTo meaningful extent
- profoundlyTo an extreme degree
- resonantlyWith sustained vibration
weightily · portentously · momentously · consequentially · importantly · gravely · substantively · deeply · tellingly · pointedly
symbolicallyliterally
In exact terms
actually · concretely · directly · explicitly · plainly
symbolicallytangibly
Perceptibly, physically present
materially · physically · concretely · substantially · actually
symbolicallypractically
Almost but not quite
functionally · pragmatically · operationally · instrumentally · usefully
symbol, symbolic, symbols, symbolize, symbolism, symbolized, symbolizes, symbolizing, symbolist