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Glite Dictionary
nonsymbolic

nonsymbolic

7.3
A way of showing things that does not use signs and shows real objects directly
  • adjective
  • /nɒnˈsɪmbəlɪk/
translation icon : no simbólico
  • Among animals, only two species, songbirds and humpback whales, possess the capacity to recombine learned sounds into many different sequences and produce large repertoires of affective nonsymbolic songs.

Examples

  • He expressed his feelings in a nonsymbolic way, choosing to show affection through his actions rather than words.

  • These functions were communicated most often via nonsymbolic means, including reaching or moving closer (to request); struggling or using aggression (to protest); and arm flapping, crying, or laughing (to comment).

    Academic text (2013)

  • The artist's work was nonsymbolic, focusing on simple shapes and direct colors instead of abstract representations.

  • In the therapy session, the child's nonsymbolic communication was evident through gestures and facial expressions rather than spoken language.

Synonyms

unmetaphorical
vsnonsymbolic
1 8.7

Using plain words that mean exactly what they say

emphasizes concrete, direct meaning beyond merely avoiding figurative speech
unsymbolic
vsnonsymbolic
8.4

Does not give a hidden meaning and only shows what is seen

is about direct, concrete meaning rather than abstract or representational
nonmetaphorical
vsnonsymbolic
7.0

Using words that mean exactly what they say

focuses on concrete directness rather than on figurative or abstract expression
nonabstract
vsnonsymbolic
5.3

Real and clear, about things you can see or touch

adds emphasis on directness and lack of representational meaning

Antonyms

symbolic
158 4.3

A way of showing meaning using a color, object or action

How Symbolic

allegorical
  • Literature
7 7.7
symbolic
158 4.3
figurative
5 5.9
nonsymbolic
7.3

Surface Forms

nonsymbolic positive

Morphology

nonsymbolic = symbolic (transparent) = non + symbol + ic

Formed by adding the negative prefix 'non-' to the adjective 'symbolic', yielding the straightforward meaning 'not symbolic'.

Etymology

Nonsymbolic breaks into non- meaning 'not' and symbolic meaning 'using symbols' or 'signs'. Think of counting real apples instead of written numbers, so nonsymbolic means 'not using symbols', direct and concrete.