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symbolism

   Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.10 sec.
sym·bol·ism  (smb-lzm)
n.
1. The practice of representing things by means of symbols or of attributing symbolic meanings or significance to objects, events, or relationships.
2. A system of symbols or representations.
3. A symbolic meaning or representation.
4. Revelation or suggestion of intangible conditions or truths by artistic invention.
5. Symbolism The movement, theory, or practice of the late 19th-century Symbolists.

symbolism
Noun
1. the representation of something by the use of symbols
2. an art movement involving the use of symbols to express mystical or abstract ideas
symbolist adjn

symbolism
symbology, defs. 1 and 2.
See also: Images, Representation
the principles of a literary movement originated during the latter part of the 19th century in France and highly influential in literature written in English, characterized especially by an emphasis upon the associative character of verbal, often private, symbols and the use of synesthetic devices to suggest color and music. — Symbolist, n., adj.
See also: Literature
Symbolism symbols collectively, 1882.
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.symbolismsymbolism - a system of symbols and symbolic representations
symbol - an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance
2.symbolism - the practice of investing things with symbolic meaning
practice, pattern - a customary way of operation or behavior; "it is their practice to give annual raises"; "they changed their dietary pattern"
3.symbolism - an artistic movement in the late 19th century that tried to express abstract or mystical ideas through the symbolic use of images
art movement, artistic movement - a group of artists who agree on general principles
Translations
Spanish symbolism [ˈsɪmbəlɪzəm] nsimbolismo
French symbolism [ˈsɪmbəlɪzəm] nsymbolisme m
German symbolism [ˈsɪmbəlɪzəm] symbol nSymbolismus m
Italian symbolism [ˈsɪmbəlɪzəm] nsimbolismo

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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
Nothing could show more clearly the kind of child she was than the fact that she instantly perceived the symbolism of the rose, and laid it in the drawer with the dress as if she were burying the whole episode with all its sad memories.
, the hermetic symbolism, with which Nicolas Flamel played the prelude to Luther, papal unity, schism, Saint-Germain des Prés, Saint-Jacques de la Boucherie,--all are mingled, combined, amalgamated in Notre-Dame.
What is the author's attitude toward Nature--(1) does he view Nature in a purely objective way, as a mass of material things, a series of material phenomena or a mere embodiment of sensuous beauty; or (2) is there symbolism or mysticism in his attitude, that is--does he view Nature with awe as a spiritual power; or (3) is he thoroughly subjective, reading his own moods into Nature or using Nature chiefly for the expression of his moods?
 
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