What does symbolise mean?
Symbolise is a formal verb meaning to represent an idea, quality, event, or concept through a symbol, or to function as a symbol for something. A white dove, for example, may symbolise peace, while a particular colour or emblem can symbolise national identity. The word is especially common in discussions of culture, religion, politics, art, and national identity, where it emphasizes the relationship between a visible sign and an abstract meaning. It can also describe the act of expressing a broader concept through a concrete image or object. Although the idea is widely used in everyday language, symbolise generally sounds more formal and deliberate than simpler verbs such as represent or signify. Its main interest lies in its connection with symbolism: it names the process by which people attach shared meanings to signs, images, colours, and objects.
verbTo represent something by means of a symbol, or to serve as a symbol of a particular idea, quality, or concept.
- To represent something by means of a symbol.
- To serve as a symbol of an idea, quality, event, or concept.
"The dove symbolises peace."
"The red poppy symbolises remembrance of those who have died in war."
"In many cultures, the circle symbolises eternity and unity."
Every symbol compresses an idea into a single mark, but symbolise is the act of giving that mark its meaning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does symbolise come from?
The word comes from the Greek symbolon, a noun formed from the verb symbolizein, meaning “to compare” or “to identify by comparison.” The Greek term passed into Latin and then into English, where it developed into the family of words symbol, symbolic, symbolism, and symbolise. Modern symbolise retains the earlier sense of making or standing for something beyond the symbol itself.
Related word forms
How symbolise is actually used
Symbolise is the standard British spelling; symbolize is more common in American English. It is a formal verb used especially in symbolic, cultural, religious, and political contexts.
Easily confused with symbolise
A symbol is a sign, image, or object that represents something, while symbolise is the verb for representing something symbolically or for serving as its symbol.
Symbolize is the usual American spelling of the British verb symbolise; they have the same meaning.