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# symbolic

adjective (symbolic, more symbolic); adverb symbolically

«symbolic» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Symbolic means standing for an idea or thing as a sign or symbol: a dove is symbolic of peace. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/symbolic/#m1)
2. Symbolic also describes an action done to show feelings or ideas rather than for practical use: a symbolic gesture. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/symbolic/#m2)
3. (maths) Symbolic means using letters and signs instead of words. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/symbolic/#m3)

### In the lessons

In English lessons symbolic things in stories carry hidden meaning: a storm may be symbolic of anger. In church, symbols like the cross and bread and wine are symbolic for Christians. In maths, symbolic language uses signs like + and =. Phrases: symbolic of, a symbolic gesture.

### Examples

- The dove is symbolic of peace. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/symbolic/#x1)
- Red roses are symbolic of love. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/symbolic/#x2)
- For Christians, the cross is symbolic of Jesus's death and love. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/symbolic/#x3)
- Planting a tree was a symbolic act for the school. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/symbolic/#x4)
- In the story, the dark forest is symbolic of fear. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/symbolic/#x5)
- In maths we use symbolic notation, like x + 3 = 7. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/symbolic/#x6)
- The handshake was a symbolic end to the quarrel. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/symbolic/#x7)
- Lieutenant, love, and lack of money--that is a symbolic triangle, or much the same as the half of the shattered die of Fortune. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/symbolic/#x8)

### Note

«Symbolic of» + the idea. Noun: symbol; verb: symbolise (UK) / symbolize (US). Do not confuse «symbol» with «cymbal» (a musical instrument).

## In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Commentators warn that the vivid pictures in Sefer Yetzirah should be read as symbols, not taken in a plain literal way. In the primary lessons: In English lessons symbolic things in stories carry hidden meaning: a storm may be symbolic of anger. In church, symbols like the cross and bread and wine are symbolic for Christians. In maths, symbolic language uses signs like + and =. Phrases: symbolic of, a symbolic gesture.

### Examples

- The appearance of this root in the SY’s introductory paragraph serves as a reminder that although we embark upon a text rich in vivid, grounded symbolism—even anthropomorphism—we should not hasten to take such symbolic language overly literally. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#x1)
- It is unclear if the author or editor of this section is employing Hebrew terms in a novel way, is unfamiliar with human physiology, or is using animal organs to some symbolic effect, or some combination thereof. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#x2)

### Note

«Symbolic of» + the idea. Noun: symbol; verb: symbolise (UK) / symbolize (US). Do not confuse «symbol» with «cymbal» (a musical instrument).

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «symbolic» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/symbolic/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«symbolic» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/symbolic.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «symbolic» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«symbolic» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/symbolic.html) on Mova free.