adj
symbolic
adj
1
Serving as a symbol; representing something beyond its literal meaning.
"The handshake was a symbolic gesture of peace between the two leaders."
"Her donation was largely symbolic, meant to draw attention to the cause."
How to Use Symbolic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStanding for or representing something else, rather than being literal or practical.
Common pairings
symbolic gesture
purely symbolic
symbolic meaning
Word Forms
more symbolic comparative, most symbolic superlative
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The handshake was a _____ gesture of peace between the two leaders.
Etymology
From Greek symbolikos, "of or relating to a symbol."