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# symbolic

«symbolic» in Mova's judaism dictionary: **standing for an idea or thing as a sign or symbol: a dove…** — its meaning for a pupil, its sense in the lessons and examples.

### part of speech

adjective (symbolic, more symbolic); adverb symbolically

### meaning for a pupil

1) Symbolic means standing for an idea or thing as a sign or symbol: a dove is symbolic of peace. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#m1)

2) Symbolic also describes an action done to show feelings or ideas rather than for practical use: a symbolic gesture. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#m2)

3) (maths) Symbolic means using letters and signs instead of words. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#m3)

### sense in the lessons

Interpretation: Commentators warn that the vivid pictures in Sefer Yetzirah should be read as symbols, not taken in a plain literal way. In the primary lessons: In English lessons symbolic things in stories carry hidden meaning: a storm may be symbolic of anger. In church, symbols like the cross and bread and wine are symbolic for Christians. In maths, symbolic language uses signs like + and =. Phrases: symbolic of, a symbolic gesture.

### examples

- The appearance of this root in the SY’s introductory paragraph serves as a reminder that although we embark upon a text rich in vivid, grounded symbolism—even anthropomorphism—we should not hasten to take such symbolic language overly literally. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#x1)
- It is unclear if the author or editor of this section is employing Hebrew terms in a novel way, is unfamiliar with human physiology, or is using animal organs to some symbolic effect, or some combination thereof. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#x2)
- The dove is symbolic of peace. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#x3)
- Red roses are symbolic of love. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#x4)
- For Christians, the cross is symbolic of Jesus's death and love. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#x5)
- Planting a tree was a symbolic act for the school. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#x6)
- In the story, the dark forest is symbolic of fear. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#x7)
- In maths we use symbolic notation, like x + 3 = 7. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#x8)
- The handshake was a symbolic end to the quarrel. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#x9)
- Lieutenant, love, and lack of money--that is a symbolic triangle, or much the same as the half of the shattered die of Fortune. [tree →](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/#x10)

### note

«Symbolic of» + the idea. Noun: symbol; verb: symbolise (UK) / symbolize (US). Do not confuse «symbol» with «cymbal» (a musical instrument).

### Trees and pragmatics

[Every meaning and example of «symbolic» parsed by Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/symbolic/), each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.