Meaning 1neutral · 82%
Representing an idea or meaning through a sign or gesture.
Natural examples
Die weiße Taube ist ein symbolisches Zeichen für Frieden.
The white dove is a symbolic sign of peace.
Zum Abschied pflanzten sie symbolisch einen Baum.
As a symbolic farewell, they planted a tree.
Die Geste war symbolisch gemeint, nicht als echte Zahlung.
The gesture was symbolic, not an actual payment.
Usage note
Symbolisch describes meaning beyond a literal action; it can be compared, though often need not be.
Mini-lesson: symbolisch
Representing an idea or meaning through a sign or gesture. Symbolisch describes meaning beyond a literal action; it can be compared, though often need not be.
Check your learning
Choose one answer.Which definition matches «symbolisch»?