symbolic value

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'symbolic value' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the underlying meaning that something holds. For example, a wedding ring has a symbolic value of love and commitment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It does not have symbolic value.

Independent

But even their symbolic value is limited.

The Economist

Pennies are constantly proving their symbolic value.

The New York Times

But there is symbolic value too.

The Guardian

"The symbolic value is enormous," he said.

The New York Times

"Strategically its not important, but it has tremendous symbolic value".

The Guardian

But is there no symbolic value worth exploring here?

The New York Times - Books

In Berlin, the conflict has already taken on symbolic value.

The Guardian

The city of Ramadi carries crucial symbolic value.

The Guardian

But the Web-hosting tax break carries considerable symbolic value.

The New York Times

"But it has a lot of symbolic value".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "symbolic value" to highlight the deeper, representative meaning beyond the literal. For example, a national flag holds immense "symbolic value" representing a nation's history and ideals.

Common error

Avoid assuming "symbolic value" automatically translates to practical benefits. A gesture with great "symbolic value", like a peace treaty signing, may not immediately resolve underlying conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "symbolic value" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It denotes the significance attributed to something based on its representation or association, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "symbolic value" is a frequently used noun phrase that signifies the representative or deeper meaning of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, and to a lesser extent in Science and Formal & Business settings, the phrase highlights non-literal significance. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to differentiate between symbolic and practical worth to avoid overestimations of the real-world impact. Alternatives like "representative significance" or "emblematic importance" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

representative significance

Focuses on the representative aspect of the significance.

emblematic importance

Highlights the importance through its role as an emblem.

representative worth

Emphasizes the worth derived from representation.

underlying symbolism

Highlights the hidden or not immediately obvious symbolism.

implied meaning

Focuses on the suggested or hinted meaning rather than direct representation.

inherent symbolism

Focuses on the symbolism that is naturally part of something.

connotative significance

Highlights the significance derived from associated connotations.

cultural significance

Highlights the significance within a specific cultural context.

metaphorical weight

Stresses the importance as a metaphor.

figurative implication

Focuses on the implied meaning through figurative language.

FAQs

How can I use "symbolic value" in a sentence?

You can use "symbolic value" to describe the representative or deeper meaning of something, for example: "The gift had great "symbolic value", representing years of friendship."

What's an alternative to "symbolic value" that conveys a similar meaning?

Alternatives include "representative significance", "emblematic importance", or "implied meaning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "symbolic value" and "inherent value"?

"Symbolic value" refers to the meaning something represents, while "inherent value" refers to its intrinsic worth or usefulness. A historical artifact might have high "symbolic value" but little inherent monetary value.

Is it correct to say something has "tremendous symbolic value"?

Yes, it is correct. "Tremendous" is often used as an adjective to intensify the noun "symbolic value", emphasizing the great importance of the symbolic meaning.