What does symbolist mean?
A symbolist is an artist or writer who communicates through symbols rather than straightforward description. The term is most closely associated with Symbolism, a late-19th-century movement that developed particularly strongly in French poetry and painting. Symbolist works favour suggestion, ambiguity, and the representation of ideas through images, atmospheres, colours, rhythms, and other indirect means. A symbol was not merely a simple substitute for a word; it could evoke a web of associations and reveal emotional, spiritual, or psychological truths. Today, the lowercase term can also describe someone who favours symbolic interpretation, while the capitalized form usually has a clearer historical reference. The word is worth knowing because it names a major artistic approach and captures the idea that language and art can carry meanings beyond their literal surface.
An artist or writer who uses symbols to convey ideas or emotions, especially an adherent of the Symbolist movement.
"The Symbolist used suggestive images to explore love, death, and spiritual transformation."
Capitalize when referring specifically to the historical Symbolist movement or its adherents.
Relating to symbolists or to the Symbolist movement and its use of symbolic suggestion.
"The gallery displayed several Symbolist paintings devoted to dreams and mortality."
This attributive use is especially associated with the late-19th-century artistic movement.
Plural is used when referring to multiple artists, writers, or adherents of the Symbolist tradition.
"European symbolists often explored the subconscious through dreamlike imagery."
The word symbolist ultimately recalls the ancient Greek idea of a symbol as a token shared between people—a small sign made to carry a larger meaning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does symbolist come from?
The word entered English in the 19th century from French symboliste. It was formed from symbole, meaning “symbol,” with the suffix -iste, denoting an adherent or practitioner. Symbol itself comes from Greek symbolon, a token or sign, ultimately associated with the idea of throwing together two pieces for comparison. English later developed the closely related terms symbolic, symbolism, and symbolize from the same root.
Related word forms
How symbolist is actually used
The capitalized form usually refers specifically to the Symbolist movement in late-19th-century French poetry, painting, and related arts. Lowercase usage may be broader and less tied to that historical movement.
Easily confused with symbolist
A symbolist is an artist, writer, or thinker associated with symbolism, whereas symbolism is the artistic movement or the practice of using symbols to represent ideas.