symbol

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "symbol" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an object, drawing, or other representation that stands for something else, often an idea or concept. For example, "The American flag is a symbol of freedom and independence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A sex symbol!

The Guardian - Music

In the audience was the "candy bomber" Gail Halvorsen, now 92, who, as an American airforce pilot, dropped sweets to children during the 1948-49 Berlin airlift, which kept the city's population alive during the Soviet blockade and which became the strongest symbol of US-German friendship.

The Guardian

In Iraq, that meant one of two targets – a seat of Shia power or, even better, a defining religious symbol.

The Guardian

These are colors of our national flag that is recognized in Belarus as symbol of resistance.

The Guardian

The cross expresses fusion of mighty opposites, and for that reason it has become a powerful symbol in society, in language, culture, religion, and of course too when featured in the form of song.

The Guardian - Music

Wherever it appears it seems a symbol of society developing.

The Guardian - Music

We're in the most extraordinarily gigantic building boom that we've seen Rachel Schuett, town planner in San Francisco That picture is an apt symbol for the city's widening inequality.

The Guardian

Starving, disabled children are the ultimate symbol of a cuts agenda that has no limits or conscience.

The Guardian

Larkin's poem, written about his friend Winifred Arnott, sees the lost maiden name as a symbol of the erasure of a woman's youthful and sexually desirable self, now swallowed up in domestic duties and motherhood.

The Guardian - Books

The hen harrier, threatened by persecution from the landowning classes, has emerged as a symbol of the downtrodden and therefore the most 'Guardian' candidate (editorial endorsement pending).

The Guardian

It has become both a catch-all explanation for unacceptable social change and a symbol of the failure of the liberal elite to understand the views of voters.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "symbol", ensure the connection between the symbol and what it represents is clear to your audience. Cultural context often influences symbolic meaning, so be mindful of your audience's background.

Common error

Avoid using vague or overly abstract "symbols" without sufficient context. If the symbolic meaning is not readily apparent, provide an explanation to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The word "symbol" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "symbol" is a very common noun that refers to something representing something else, often abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatile usage. Predominantly used in "News & Media", "symbol" serves to simplify complex ideas, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Remember to provide sufficient context when using "symbols" to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "representation" or "sign" can be used depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

representation

Focuses on the act of standing for something else, emphasizing the concrete depiction.

representation

Similar to "representation" but focuses more directly on the concept being represented.

sign

Implies a more direct and easily understood connection or indication.

emblem

Suggests a badge or device representing an organization or nation.

token

Indicates something serving as a visible or tangible representation.

mark

Emphasizes a visible trace or impression indicating something else.

figure

Suggests a more abstract or figurative representation.

allegory

Refers to a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning.

metaphor

Emphasizes an implied comparison between two unrelated things.

denotation

Focuses on the explicit or direct meaning of a word or expression.

FAQs

How do you use "symbol" in a sentence?

The word "symbol" is used to represent something else, often an abstract idea. For example, "The dove is a symbol of peace."

What words can I use instead of "symbol"?

Alternatives include "representation", "sign", or "emblem", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "symbol" and "sign"?

A "symbol" typically represents something abstract or conceptual, while a "sign" often directly indicates something present or imminent.

Can a "symbol" have different meanings in different cultures?

Yes, the interpretation of a "symbol" can vary significantly across different cultures. What is a "symbol" of good luck in one culture could be a symbol of bad luck in another.