symbolic

symbolic — 形容詞

1. relating to a sign, picture, or object that stands for something else, particula

1.形容詞B2
釋義

象徵的

代表抽象事物的

relating to a sign, picture, or object that stands for something else, particularly an abstract quality, idea, or concept

例句

The dove is a symbolic representation of peace in many cultures around the world.

在世界許多文化中，鴿子是和平的象徵性代表。

symbolic representation of [abstract concept]

For many Indigenous peoples, the eagle's feather carries deep symbolic meaning.

對許多原住民族來說，老鷹羽毛具有深刻的象徵意義。

symbolic meaning

同義詞
  • representative

    broader in meaning; can refer to people or things that typify a group, not just abstract ideas

  • emblematic

    more formal register; often suggests the thing is a perfect or defining example of a quality

  • figurative

    restricted to language and art; refers to words or images used non-literally, not to physical objects

反義詞
  • literal

    opposite of figurative or symbolic meaning; the word means exactly what it says

文法句型

symbolic + of + noun phrase (e.g. 'symbolic of peace')

symbolic + noun (e.g. 'symbolic meaning')

用法筆記

Frequently used in the pattern 'be symbolic of [something]' to indicate what a symbol represents. The noun form 'symbol' is considerably more common in everyday speech.

常見錯誤

❌The colour red is symbolic for danger in many cultures.
✅The colour red is symbolic of danger in many cultures.
💡The correct preposition after 'symbolic' is 'of', not 'for'.

2. describing an action that is meant to show a feeling or opinion but does not act

2.形容詞B2
釋義

形式上的

僅具形式而無實質影響的

describing an action that is meant to show a feeling or opinion but does not actually change a situation in a meaningful way

例句

The one-dollar raise was a purely symbolic gesture that angered the workers.

一美元的加薪純粹是形式上的姿態，反而激怒了工人。

symbolic gesture

The leaders' handshake was a symbolic gesture that did little to resolve their conflict.

兩位領袖的握手僅具象徵意義，對解決他們的衝突幫助不大。

同義詞
  • token

    often used before 'gesture' to highlight that the effort is minimal or merely for show

  • pro forma

    formal register; used especially in business, legal, and official contexts to mean done as a routine formality

  • nominal

    suggests a very small or insignificant amount, typically about fees, prices, or payments

反義詞
  • meaningful

    describes an action that has genuine substance and real impact

  • substantive

    formal alternative; emphasises that something deals with real issues and has practical consequences

文法句型

symbolic + gesture / act / show

用法筆記

Often placed before nouns like 'gesture', 'act', or 'show'. This sense carries an implicit contrast with the first sense: whereas 'symbolic' simply means 'representing something', here it suggests that the action is performative rather than substantive. Common with intensifiers 'purely', 'largely', and 'merely'.