SYMBOLISM • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Symbolism

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/sˈɪmbəlˌɪzəm/ Listen

noun

Symbolism n.

The act of symbolizing, or the state of being symbolized; as, symbolism in Christian art is the representation of truth, virtues, vices, etc., by emblematic colors, signs, and forms.

A system of symbols or representations.

(Chem.)

(a)

The practice of using symbols, or the system of notation developed thereby.

(b)

A combining together of parts or ingredients. (Obs.)

(Theol.) The science of creeds; symbolics.

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Etymology of 'Symbolism'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Symbolism" Quotes from Famous Books

... leading pragmatists have so hotly disclaimed. We find, accordingly, that it is only when a theory is avowedly unreal, and does not ask to be believed, that the value of it is pragmatic; since in that case belief passes consciously from the symbols used to the eventual facts in which the symbolism terminates, and ...

— Winds Of Doctrine - Studies in Contemporary Opinion • George Santayana

... which prays, but is not afraid to fight; and the chapelle superieure, the holy place of the saints of heaven, the Christian counsellors in whose care man has been confided. This, at any rate, is the professional description of the symbolism, and whether one be churchman or not he is bound to see ...

— The Automobilist Abroad • M. F. (Milburg Francisco) Mansfield

... when for a warrior to put a weapon in the hands of a companion was perhaps to find it forthwith turned against himself. In those days of strife also, when men were more ready in action than in the turning of phrases, and so much was expressed by symbolism, the offering of a sword or dagger was frequently in itself a challenge, and a declaration of enmity. Thus, you see, that what was a natural inference in other times is meaningless in ours. The adage which advises the person obliged ...

— Apples, Ripe and Rosy, Sir • Mary Catherine Crowley

... dedicated to them." Another late writer to whom we have several times referred, tells us there is no doubt but what a "religious view" was the controlling influence in the erection of these works, and that they express a "complicated system of symbolism," that we see in them evidence, of a most powerful and wonderful religious system. Still such assertions are easier made than proven, and until we know somewhat the purpose for which they were used, how are we to know whether they ...

— The Prehistoric World - Vanished Races • E. A. Allen

... gauzy things, so slight and ephemeral that they seemed rather a symbolism of life than life itself, whirled before the boy's wild, tearful eyes, and he moved aside and looked down, and then cried out and snatched something from the ground at his feet. It was the hat Abel Edwards had ...

— Jerome, A Poor Man - A Novel • Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

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