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symbolizing

symbolizing

4.9
The act of using a sign to show an idea, feeling, or belief
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪzɪŋ/
  • US
translation icon : simbolización
  • The flag is a powerful way of symbolizing national pride and unity among the people.

Examples

  • Although the most intangible of functions, from the point of view of the ordinary citizenry, the chief's most important role may lie in his symbolizing of community solidarity.

    Academic text (1993)
  • As in other indigenous traditions, verbal symbolizing and the concept of time intertwined with space pervade.

    Academic text (2002)
  • They are unified in a synthetic, symbolizing, symbolic moment that constitutes the work of art.

  • Through this approach, Professor Y built on students' existing knowledge, acknowledged the range of possibilities, and then identified the appropriate symbolizing for the current site of mathematical practice—the college classroom.

    Academic text (2015)
  • The teacher emphasized the importance of symbolizing concepts in order to help students understand complex ideas.

  • In literature, colors often play a role in symbolizing emotions and themes throughout the story.

Synonyms

representation
vssymbolizing
74 3.5

A picture or model that shows what something looks like

is the action of making a thing stand for another
symbolism
vssymbolizing
  • Literature
46 5.5

A way of using images or objects to stand for ideas and qualities

focuses on the act of representation rather than the general practice
depiction
vssymbolizing
30 4.0

A picture or other image that shows what something looked like

includes nonvisual ways of making meaning not just pictures
symbolic representation
vssymbolizing
1 6.3

A visible thing like a flag that stands for an idea you cannot see

describes the action of creating such a visible stand-in
symbolization
vssymbolizing
  • US
7.5

To use signs or pictures to show ideas and feelings

is the same action but expressed with a different word form
figuration
vssymbolizing
7.9

Showing an idea using pictures or symbols in art and writing

is the general act of creating stand-ins not limited to art
iconism
vssymbolizing
7.9

A style that uses clear, simple images to show ideas

focuses on using any kind of sign not only clear images
typification
vssymbolizing
8.6

An action that shows something as a common example

is the general act of creating a sign rather than showing a typical example

How Symbolic

allegorization
  • Literature
9.2
symbolizing
  • US
4.9
to represent
126 2.6
depiction
30 4.0

Surface Forms

symbolizing singular
symbolizings plural

Morphology

symbolizing = symbolize (transparent) = symbol + ize + ing

Adding -ing to the verb 'symbolize' to form a gerund/participle is a regular and transparent process.

Etymology

Symbolizing comes from a Greek word for a 'token' or mark that stood for something else, and it shares the same root as symbol. So to symbolize is to use a 'sign' or object to represent an idea, feeling, or thing.