French word

symboliser

Pronunciation

IPA/sɛ̃bolize/

Meaning

  • verbsymbolize

Example

Cette couleur symbolise l'amour dans notre culture.

This color symbolizes love in our culture.

Illustration for symboliser (symbolize)

More examples

Ce drapeau symbolise la paix dans ce pays.

This flag symbolizes peace in this country.

Core concept

A visible mark, object, or action standing in for an unseen idea.

Common phrases

  • symboliser la paix

    symbolize peace

  • symboliser quelque chose

    symbolize something

  • symboliser un geste

    symbolize a gesture

Similar words

signifier: Convey a meaning through words or signs.
représenter: Depict something through a shape or symbol.
exprimer: Give outward expression to feelings or thoughts through words or facial expressions.

Definition in French

Être un signe, un objet ou un geste qui représente une idée, une qualité ou un concept.

Word origin

French formed symboliser from symbole with the suffix -iser, while symbole comes through Latin symbolum from Greek sumbolon, meaning a sign or token.

Usage tips

  • Symboliser is transitive, so the represented idea follows it directly without a preposition.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word