Meaning & use
symbolised
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“symbolised” is a form of “symbolise”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive
Past form of symbolise: stood for an idea, quality or thing by being a sign of it.
Grammar: Takes an object: the dove symbolised peace.
Patterns
- something symbolises something
The white dove symbolised peace after the long conflict.
In the novel, the broken clock symbolised the family's refusal to move on.
For many migrants, the harbour symbolised a fresh start.
verbtransitivetechnical
Past form of symbolise: represented something using a symbol or sign, such as a letter, mark or picture.
Grammar: Takes an object, often with by or with: the unknown was symbolised by x.
Patterns
- symbolise something by something
- symbolise something with something
The unknown quantity was symbolised by the letter x.
On the map, hospitals were symbolised by a small red cross.
The designer symbolised each season with a different colour.
Common combinations
- symbolised freedom
- The open gate symbolised freedom for the prisoners.
- symbolised hope
- The first green shoots symbolised hope after the fire.
- symbolised by a colour
- Danger was symbolised by a bright red banner.
- traditionally symbolised
- The olive branch has traditionally symbolised peace.
Synonyms and how they differ
- represented
- Represented is broader and can mean acting for someone, while symbolised means standing for an idea through a sign.
- signified
- Signified is more formal and stresses meaning, whereas symbolised implies a recognised image or object.
- embodied
- Embodied suggests a person or thing is a perfect living example of a quality, whereas symbolised only needs a sign pointing to it.
Word family
- symbol noun
- a sign or object that stands for something else
- symbolism noun
- the use of symbols to express ideas
- symbolic adjective
- acting as a symbol of something
- symbolically adverb
- in a way that stands for something else
Commonly confused: symbolised or symbolized?
symbolised vs symbolized
Symbolized is the American spelling and has exactly the same meaning; symbolised is standard in British English.
Practice
In the story, the lighthouse ___ the hope of the stranded villagers.
Choose one answer.
The story is told in the past, so the past form symbolised is needed. Symbolise is the base form and does not fit a past-tense narrative.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “symbolised”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.