What does symbolical mean?
Symbolical means relating to symbols or acting as a symbol of something beyond the object itself. A person, object, image, or action may be described as symbolical when it represents an abstract idea, event, belief, or relationship. For example, a dove may be symbolical of peace, or repeated images in a novel may be symbolical of isolation. The word is related to the more familiar adjective symbolic and is particularly common in discussions of literature, religion, history, ritual, and public ceremony. Although “symbolical” can occasionally be used as a less common variant of “symbolic,” it often carries a stronger suggestion that symbolic meaning is deliberate or central. Its adverb, symbolically, is used to describe an act performed for the sake of what it represents: “The gesture was made symbolically rather than practically.”
adjectiveRelating to or involving symbols; serving as a symbol of something else.
- Consisting of or relating to symbols.
- Serving as a symbol of something else.
"The carved figures had a deeply symbolical role in the ceremony."
"The mask had a purely symbolical purpose and was never intended to conceal the wearer's identity."
"Her use of white was symbolical rather than merely decorative."
"The novel's repeated images are symbolical of the characters' growing isolation."
From the Greek symbolon, meaning “a sign or token,” symbolical describes when an object points beyond itself to an idea, belief, or occasion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does symbolical come from?
Symbolical comes from Latin symbolicus, meaning “pertaining to a sign or symbol,” in turn derived from Greek symbolon, a sign or identifying token. English adopted the family through symbol and symbolic during the 17th century. Related English forms include symbolist and symbology, which continue to reflect the same Greek and Latin source.
Related word forms
How symbolical is actually used
Symbolical is standard but somewhat less common than symbolic. It is especially used in literary, historical, religious, and ceremonial contexts, where it emphasizes representation or emblematic meaning.
Easily confused with symbolical
Both are adjectives relating to symbols, but symbolic is the more common term, whereas symbolical can suggest a more deliberately symbolic or emblematic function.