symbol
B2Neutral (used across all registers from everyday to formal/academic)
Definition
Meaning
A thing, mark, or character used to represent something else, especially an abstract idea, concept, or quality.
A sign, shape, or object that is widely recognized as representing a particular person, organization, or idea; something that stands for or suggests something else by reason of relationship, association, convention, or accidental resemblance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Symbol" implies a deliberate, conventional, or widely accepted representation. It carries a more abstract, conceptual weight than "sign," which can be more direct and functional. Often used for cultural, religious, national, or mathematical representations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations.
Frequency
Equal frequency and application in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] a symbol of [something abstract][serve/stand/function] as a symbol for [something][be] seen/viewed/regarded as a symbolVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A status symbol”
- “A symbol of the times”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The new logo is more than a design; it's a symbol of our company's innovation."
Academic
"The dove functions as a potent symbol of peace across multiple cultural narratives."
Everyday
"The heart shape is a universal symbol of love."
Technical
"In the circuit diagram, a triangle represents the symbol for an operational amplifier."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The author sought to symbolise the struggle through the character's journey.
- The gesture was meant to symbolise unity.
American English
- The author sought to symbolize the struggle through the character's journey.
- The gesture was meant to symbolize unity.
adverb
British English
- He spoke symbolically about the journey of life.
- The act was meant symbolically, not literally.
American English
- He spoke symbolically about the journey of life.
- The act was meant symbolically, not literally.
adjective
British English
- The symbolic meaning of the gesture was lost on them.
- They held a symbolic ceremony.
American English
- The symbolic meaning of the gesture was lost on them.
- They held a symbolic ceremony.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The heart is a symbol of love.
- A flag is a national symbol.
- The dove is often used as a symbol of peace.
- In maths, '+' is the symbol for addition.
- The crumbling castle stood as a powerful symbol of the empire's decline.
- Her gift was more of a symbolic gesture than a practical one.
- The author employs the recurring symbol of water to signify purification and rebirth.
- The treaty was largely symbolic, having little practical impact on trade relations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SIMple BOLt (symbol) on a shield — a simple mark that represents a knight's family.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OBJECTS (We can hold a symbol as a tangible stand-in for an intangible idea).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "символ" (correct translation) and "знак" (more like 'sign' or 'mark'). "Symbol" is for abstract representation; "sign" is often for direct indication (e.g., road sign).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'symbol' for purely functional indicators (e.g., 'a stop symbol' instead of 'a stop sign').
- Confusing 'symbol' (abstract representation) with 'signal' (a transmitted message or impulse).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of a 'symbol' in its core meaning?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'sign' typically conveys direct, literal information or instruction (e.g., a road sign). A 'symbol' represents something more abstract, conceptual, or cultural (e.g., a dove symbolising peace). All symbols are signs, but not all signs are symbols.
Yes, but the verb form is 'symbolise' (UK) / 'symbolize' (US). It means 'to be a symbol of' or 'to represent.'
No, it is neutral. It is equally appropriate in everyday conversation ('a love symbol') and formal/academic writing ('a religious symbol').
A possession (like an expensive car or watch) that is intended to signal a person's high social or economic status to others.
Collections
Part of a collection
Travel and Culture
B1 · 48 words · Cultural experiences and traveling the world.
Advanced Literary Vocabulary
C2 · 50 words · Technical terms for advanced literary analysis.