symbolic

Everyday

1. Symbolic means standing for an idea or thing as a sign or symbol: a dove is symbolic of peace. tree →
2. Symbolic also describes an action done to show feelings or ideas rather than for practical use: a symbolic gesture. tree →
3. (maths) Symbolic means using letters and signs instead of words. tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons symbolic things in stories carry hidden meaning: a storm may be symbolic of anger. In church, symbols like the cross and bread and wine are symbolic for Christians. In maths, symbolic language uses signs like + and =. Phrases: symbolic of, a symbolic gesture.

Examples

• The dove is symbolic of peace. tree →
• Red roses are symbolic of love. tree →
• For Christians, the cross is symbolic of Jesus's death and love. tree →
• Planting a tree was a symbolic act for the school. tree →
• In the story, the dark forest is symbolic of fear. tree →
• In maths we use symbolic notation, like x + 3 = 7. tree →
• The handshake was a symbolic end to the quarrel. tree →
• Lieutenant, love, and lack of money--that is a symbolic triangle, or much the same as the half of the shattered die of Fortune. tree →

Note

«Symbolic of» + the idea. Noun: symbol; verb: symbolise (UK) / symbolize (US). Do not confuse «symbol» with «cymbal» (a musical instrument).

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Commentators warn that the vivid pictures in Sefer Yetzirah should be read as symbols, not taken in a plain literal way. In the primary lessons: In English lessons symbolic things in stories carry hidden meaning: a storm may be symbolic of anger. In church, symbols like the cross and bread and wine are symbolic for Christians. In maths, symbolic language uses signs like + and =. Phrases: symbolic of, a symbolic gesture.

Examples

• The appearance of this root in the SY’s introductory paragraph serves as a reminder that although we embark upon a text rich in vivid, grounded symbolism—even anthropomorphism—we should not hasten to take such symbolic language overly literally. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• It is unclear if the author or editor of this section is employing Hebrew terms in a novel way, is unfamiliar with human physiology, or is using animal organs to some symbolic effect, or some combination thereof. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

«Symbolic of» + the idea. Noun: symbol; verb: symbolise (UK) / symbolize (US). Do not confuse «symbol» with «cymbal» (a musical instrument).