SYMBOLISM

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does symbolism mean? 

• SYMBOLISM (noun)
  The noun SYMBOLISM has 3 senses:

1. a system of symbols and symbolic representations

2. the practice of investing things with symbolic meaning

3. an artistic movement in the late 19th century that tried to express abstract or mystical ideas through the symbolic use of images

  Familiarity information: SYMBOLISM used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SYMBOLISM (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A system of symbols and symbolic representations

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("symbolism" is a kind of...):

symbol (an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance)

Derivation:

symbolist (someone skilled in the interpretation or representation of symbols)

Sense 2

Meaning:

The practice of investing things with symbolic meaning

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

symbolisation; symbolism; symbolization

Hypernyms ("symbolism" is a kind of...):

pattern; practice (a customary way of operation or behavior)

Derivation:

symbolist (a member of an artistic movement that expressed ideas indirectly via symbols)

symbolist (someone skilled in the interpretation or representation of symbols)

Sense 3

Meaning:

An artistic movement in the late 19th century that tried to express abstract or mystical ideas through the symbolic use of images

Classified under:

Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects

Hypernyms ("symbolism" is a kind of...):

art movement; artistic movement (a group of artists who agree on general principles)

Derivation:

symbolist (a member of an artistic movement that expressed ideas indirectly via symbols)