symbolization
Turning into symbols
Symbolization is the act or process of representing something through symbols.
In logic and mathematics, it means converting statements into symbolic notation: The symbolization of "all men are mortal" uses quantifiers and variables.
More broadly, it refers to how ideas, emotions, or abstract concepts become embodied in concrete forms—how a flag comes to stand for a nation, or a ring for commitment.
Highest point or tuft
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- badgeWorn symbol of membership
- sealAuthentication stamp or mark
- bannerDisplayed strip with message
flag · standard · coat of arms · shield · logo · monogram · hallmark · device
Symbolic tale with deeper meaning
- metaphorImplied identity comparison
- parableInstructive allegorical narrative
- analogyExplanatory likeness between things
- simileComparison via "as"
personification · imagery · allusion · fable · archetype · synecdoche · metonymy · figuration
Representation in art
- illustrationPicture explaining something
- diagramSimplified explanatory sketch
- chartData shown visually
- graphVisual data display
map · pictogram · ideogram · glyph · hieroglyph · rune · logogram · cipher
Distilling to essential qualities
- conceptualizationMental creation of ideas
- semioticsStudy of signs, symbols
- significationExpressed or intended meaning
- codificationOrganizing rules into system
typification · generalization · ideation · notion · paradigm · schematization · formalization · systematization
Implied sense, not dictionary
- denotationWord's explicit dictionary meaning
- significationExpressed or intended meaning
- interpretationAssigned meaning
- significanceQuality of mattering
indication · implication · reference · association · suggestion · evocation · expression · representation
crest
Highest point or tuft
banner · flag · standard · coat of arms · shield · logo · monogram · hallmark · device · pennant
allegory
Symbolic tale with deeper meaning
- metaphorImplied identity comparison
- parableInstructive allegorical narrative
- analogyExplanatory likeness between things
simile · personification · imagery · allusion · fable · archetype · synecdoche · metonymy · figuration · trope
depiction
Representation in art
- illustrationPicture explaining something
- diagramSimplified explanatory sketch
- chartData shown visually
graph · map · pictogram · ideogram · glyph · hieroglyph · rune · logogram · cipher · sign
abstraction
Distilling to essential qualities
- conceptualizationMental creation of ideas
- semioticsStudy of signs, symbols
- significationExpressed or intended meaning
codification · typification · generalization · ideation · notion · paradigm · schematization · formalization · systematization · encoding
connotation
Implied sense, not dictionary
- denotationWord's explicit dictionary meaning
- significationExpressed or intended meaning
- interpretationAssigned meaning
significance · indication · implication · reference · association · suggestion · evocation · expression · representation · encoding
- mapmakingcartographer, map scales, mapmaker, map projection, compass rose
- coping mechanismsrepression, denial, projection, sublimation, rationalization
- mathematicsalgebra, arithmetic, calculus, geometry, number
- symbolsrunes, asterisks, glyph, yin-yang, skull crossbones
- thoughtsthought, idea, thoughts, ideas, thinking
- psychoanalysisFreud, id, ego, unconscious, Sigmund Freud
symbolizationliteralism
Exact meaning only
literalness · realistic portrayal · verisimilitude · naturalism · realism
symbolizationmeaninglessness
Lack of significance
insignificance · vacuity · hollowness · literality · arbitrariness
symbolizationexterior
Outer portion
literalness · superficiality · mere appearance · face value · plain meaning
symbol, symbolic, symbols, symbolize, symbolism, symbolized, symbolizes, symbolizing, symbolically