Word

symbolism

noun C1

/ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm/

Meanings

noun

the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, especially in art and literature

noun

the symbolic meaning or significance that something has in a particular context

Definition

Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent deeper ideas beyond their literal meaning.

Symbolism is a technique in art, literature, and everyday communication where an object, color, action, or image stands for an abstract idea. The literal thing you see points to an additional meaning, such as freedom, loss, or hope. Understanding symbolism often requires attention to context and cultural associations.

Examples

The director relied on symbolism to suggest the character’s guilt without a single line of dialogue.
In class, I explained the symbolism of the river as a boundary between two stages of life.
She admired the subtle symbolism in the painting, where the fading light hinted at time running out.
They debated whether the repeated mirror images were symbolism or simply a stylistic choice.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse symbolism with symbolism itself and say “the symbolism is about symbols,” instead of clearly stating what the symbol represents.