What does symbolisation mean?
Symbolisation is the use of symbols, or the process of representing an idea, person, object, or event through something that stands for it. It may involve conventional signs, such as words or images, as well as motifs and objects whose significance is interpreted by an audience. The word is particularly associated with literature, art, religion, and cultural analysis, where an object or image can embody an abstract concept such as grief, power, identity, or death. Symbolisation can refer either to the act of creating symbolic meaning or to the interpretive process by which that meaning is recognised. Although generally neutral in tone, it is often somewhat formal and analytical, especially when used in academic writing. It is the British counterpart of the American spelling symbolization.
nounThe use of symbols or the process of representing something through symbols. It may also refer more broadly to the interpretation of people, objects, events, or ideas as having symbolic significance.
- The use of symbols or the process of representing something through symbols.
- The interpretation of a person, object, event, or idea as carrying symbolic meaning.
"The artist uses fragments of broken mirrors in the symbolisation of grief and loss."
"The novel's persistent imagery of broken birds provides a symbolisation of the narrator's loss of freedom."
"The researchers examined how cultural objects contribute to the symbolisation of national identity."
Symbolisation can be used as a count noun for particular acts or instances of symbolic representation, as well as an uncount noun for the process in general.
"The exhibition examines several symbolisations of the river in twentieth-century art."
The ancient Greek symbolon was more than an emblem: it could be a token, sign, or signet ring.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does symbolisation come from?
Symbolisation was formed in English from symbolise and the suffix -ation, which creates a noun denoting a process. Symbolise derives from symbol, ultimately from Greek symbolon, a sign or token. The Greek word combines syn, meaning “together,” with ballein, meaning “to throw,” reflecting the ancient practice of exchanging a token as evidence of identity or agreement.
How symbolisation is actually used
The British spelling is symbolisation and the American spelling is symbolization. The word is especially common in academic discussion and in literary or artistic criticism, where it can denote deliberate symbolic representation.
Easily confused with symbolisation
Symbolisation is the standard British spelling, while symbolization is the standard American spelling; both have the same meaning and pronunciation.