symbolizing
Acting as emblem
Symbolizing is using something to represent something else—an object, image, or action standing for an abstract idea or quality.
A dove symbolizing peace, a ring symbolizing commitment, a gesture symbolizing defiance.
The torch symbolizing freedom was carried through the streets.
The word emphasizes the representational act itself, the moment of meaning-making.
Distinguishing mark of rank
- badgeWorn symbol of membership
- crestHighest point or tuft
- totemSpiritual clan symbol
- bannerDisplayed strip with message
flag · standard · heraldry · seal · sigil · pennant · colors · ensign
Implied identity comparison
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- parableInstructive allegorical narrative
- analogyExplanatory likeness between things
- personificationAttributing humanity to non-humans
synecdoche · metonymy · allusion · imagery · trope · archetype · mythos · abstraction
Giving physical form to
- personifyingAttributing human qualities
- epitomizingRepresenting the ideal form
- typifyingEmbodying characteristic qualities
- manifestingMaking evident or visible
expressing · depicting · portraying · illustrating · exemplifying · incarnating · encapsulating · denoting
Expressed or intended meaning
- semanticsStudy of linguistic meaning
- referentWhat a term designates
- signifiedExpressed meaning symbolically
- signifierMeaning-bearing form
denotation · connotation · interpretation · meaning · polysemy · code · decoding · encoding
Magical protective charm
- amuletWorn protective token
- charmAttractive personal quality
- fetishIrrational devotion to something
- relicPreserved ancient object
totem · ceremonial · votive · offering · sacrament · consecrating · blessing · anointing
Preserving someone's legacy
- honoringRecognizing with respect
- markingIndicating with symbols
- celebratingObserving with festivity
- dedicatingCommitting to a purpose
enshrining · immortalizing · remembering · monument · memorial · plaque · wreath · ribbon
insignia
Distinguishing mark of rank
banner · flag · standard · heraldry · seal · sigil · pennant · colors · ensign · regalia
metaphor
Implied identity comparison
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- parableInstructive allegorical narrative
- analogyExplanatory likeness between things
personification · synecdoche · metonymy · allusion · imagery · trope · archetype · mythos · abstraction · subtext
embodying
Giving physical form to
- personifyingAttributing human qualities
- epitomizingRepresenting the ideal form
- typifyingEmbodying characteristic qualities
manifesting · expressing · depicting · portraying · illustrating · exemplifying · incarnating · encapsulating · denoting · connoting
signification
Expressed or intended meaning
- semanticsStudy of linguistic meaning
- referentWhat a term designates
- signifiedExpressed meaning symbolically
signifier · denotation · connotation · interpretation · meaning · polysemy · code · decoding · encoding · reading
talisman
Magical protective charm
relic · totem · ceremonial · votive · offering · sacrament · consecrating · blessing · anointing · initiation
memorializing
Preserving someone's legacy
- honoringRecognizing with respect
- markingIndicating with symbols
- celebratingObserving with festivity
dedicating · enshrining · immortalizing · remembering · monument · memorial · plaque · wreath · ribbon · candle
- representingrepresenting, depicting, portraying, illustrating, embodying
- literary techniquesforeshadowing, alluding, satirizing, parodying, personifying
- math operationsaddition, adding, subtraction, subtracting, multiplication
- highlightingemphasizing, stressing, underscoring, accenting, accentuating
symbolizingliteralizing
Treating figures as facts
denoting · demonstrating · displaying · exhibiting · instantiating
symbolizingconcealing
Keeping something secret
obscuring · hiding · masking · veiling · obfuscating
symbolizingdocumenting
Creating a formal record
photographing · reproducing · transcribing · copying · mirroring
symbol, emblem, symbolic, symbols, symbolize, symbolism, emblematic, symbolized, symbolizes