symbolic Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective relating to or using or proceeding by means of symbols
    symbolical.
    • symbolic logic
    • symbolic operations
    • symbolic thinking
  2. adjective satellite serving as a visible symbol for something abstract
    symbolical; emblematical; emblematic.
    • a crown is emblematic of royalty
    • the spinning wheel was as symbolic of colonical Massachusetts as the codfish
  3. adjective using symbolism
    • symbolic art

WordNet

Sym*bol"ic noun
Etymology
Cf. F. symbolique. See Symbolic, a.
Definitions
  1. (Theol.) See Symbolics.
Sym*bol"ic, Sym*bol"ic*al adjective (Also<
  • Symbolic
  • Symbolical
)
Etymology
L. symbolicus, Gr. : cf. F. symbolique.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to a symbol or symbols; of the nature of a symbol; exhibiting or expressing by resemblance or signs; representative; as, the figure of an eye is symbolic of sight and knowledge. -- Sym*bol"ic*al*ly, adv. -- Sym*bol"ic*al*ness, n.
    The sacrament is a representation of Christ's death by such symbolical actions as he himself appointed. Jer. Taylor.

Webster 1913