B2 adjective Neutre

symbol

/sɪmˈbɒl.ɪk/

Serving as a representation or sign of something else, particularly an abstract idea or quality. It describes an object, action, or event that carries a deeper meaning beyond its literal purpose or appearance.

Exemples

3 sur 5
1

Giving someone a key to your house is a symbolic act of trust.

Handing over a house key represents that you trust the person deeply.

2

The lowering of the flag to half-mast was symbolic of the nation's collective grief.

Lowering the flag showed that the entire country was mourning together.

3

I know it’s just a small trophy, but it’s symbolic of all the hard work we put in.

Even though the trophy is small, it stands for all the effort we exerted.

Famille de mots

Nom
symbol
Verb
symbolize
Adverbe
symbolically
Adjectif
symbolic
Apparenté
symbolism
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Astuce mémo

Think of the 'Olympic' rings; they are 'symbolic' of the five continents joining together in sport.

Quiz rapide

The release of the white doves at the ceremony was _______ of the hope for a lasting peace.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : symbolic

Exemples

1

Giving someone a key to your house is a symbolic act of trust.

everyday

Handing over a house key represents that you trust the person deeply.

2

The lowering of the flag to half-mast was symbolic of the nation's collective grief.

formal

Lowering the flag showed that the entire country was mourning together.

3

I know it’s just a small trophy, but it’s symbolic of all the hard work we put in.

informal

Even though the trophy is small, it stands for all the effort we exerted.

4

In many cultures, the color white is symbolic of purity, though in others it represents mourning.

academic

The color white acts as a sign of innocence or death depending on the specific culture.

5

The appointment of the new director was a symbolic move to show the company's commitment to diversity.

business

Hiring the new director was done to represent the company's goal of being more inclusive.

Famille de mots

Nom
symbol
Verb
symbolize
Adverbe
symbolically
Adjectif
symbolic
Apparenté
symbolism

Collocations courantes

symbolic gesture An action performed primarily to convey a specific meaning or intention.
symbolic meaning The underlying significance or message that an object represents.
highly symbolic Possessing a very deep, complex, or important representational value.
purely symbolic Having no practical effect or power, existing only for representation.
symbolic value The importance of something based on what it stands for rather than its material worth.

Phrases Courantes

symbolic of

Representing or standing for a particular concept or quality.

symbolic act

A deed done to demonstrate a feeling or a shift in policy.

symbolic link

In computing, a file that points to another file or directory.

Souvent confondu avec

symbol vs symbol

Symbol is the noun (the thing itself), whereas symbolic is the adjective used to describe that thing or its nature.

symbol vs symbiotic

Symbiotic refers to a biological relationship where two organisms benefit each other, unrelated to representation.

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Notes d'usage

The word is almost always used with the preposition 'of' when followed by the thing being represented (e.g., 'symbolic of hope'). It is often used to describe gestures that are made to satisfy public opinion or tradition rather than to achieve a practical result.

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Erreurs courantes

Learners sometimes use the noun 'symbol' as an adjective, saying 'The ring is symbol of love' instead of 'The ring is symbolic of love' or 'The ring is a symbol of love.'

💡

Astuce mémo

Think of the 'Olympic' rings; they are 'symbolic' of the five continents joining together in sport.

📖

Origine du mot

Derived from the Greek 'symbolon', which was a token or sign used for identification, formed from 'syn-' (together) and 'ballein' (to throw).

Modèles grammaticaux

Usually functions as a predicative adjective following 'be' or 'become'. Can be used attributively before a noun (e.g., 'a symbolic gesture'). Does not have a comparative form like 'symbolicker'; use 'more symbolic' instead.
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Contexte culturel

The interpretation of symbolic colors and gestures varies greatly; for instance, nodding is symbolic of agreement in the West but can mean the opposite in parts of the Balkans.

Quiz rapide

The release of the white doves at the ceremony was _______ of the hope for a lasting peace.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : symbolic

Mots lis

sit

A1

To rest your body on your bottom with your back upright, typically on a chair or the floor. It describes both the action of moving into this position and the state of being in it.

stand

A1

To be in an upright position supported by one's feet rather than sitting or lying down. It also refers to the physical location of an object or a person's particular opinion on a subject.

pay

A1

To give money to someone in exchange for goods, services, or to settle a debt. It can also mean to give something non-monetary, such as attention or a compliment.

meet

A1

To come together with someone at a specific place and time, or to be introduced to someone for the first time. It can also mean to satisfy a requirement, standard, or need.

continue

A1

To keep doing something or to stay in the same state without stopping. It can also mean to start an activity again after a short break.

set

A1

To put or place something in a specific position or location. It also means to adjust or prepare something so that it is ready for use, such as a clock or a table.

learn

A1

To gain knowledge, understanding, or a skill by studying, practicing, or being taught. It refers to the process of acquiring information through experience or education.

lead

A1

To go in front of a group of people to show them the way to a place. It also means to be in control of a group, a team, or an activity.

understand

A1

To know the meaning of what someone is saying or how something works. It involves grasping an idea, a language, or a situation clearly in your mind.

follow

A1

To move behind someone or something in the same direction. It also means to obey rules, instructions, or to understand the logic of an argument or story.

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