sym·bol·ic /sɪmˈbɒlɪk $ -ˈbɑː-/ ●○○ AWL adjectiveadj 1 SIGN/SYMBOLa symbolic action is important because of what it represents but may not have any real effect 象征的,象征性的symbolic gesture/act The protest was a symbolic gesture of anger at official policy. 这次抗议是对官方政策极度不满的一种表示。
symbolic significance/importance a meeting of symbolic importance 具有重要象征意义的一次会议
purely/largely symbolic It was a largely symbolic gesture from a government trying to win support. 这在很大程度上是政府希望赢得支持所作出的象征性姿态。
2 representing a particular idea or quality 象征某一想法[品质]的 Each element of the ceremony has a symbolic meaning. 仪式的每一个元素都具有象征意义。
symbolic of Today’s fighting is symbolic of the chaos which the country is facing. 今天的冲突体现了国家所面临的混乱局面。
3 using or involving symbols (使用)符号的 A map is a form of symbolic representation. 地图是一种符号呈现物。
—symbolically /-kli/ adverbadv
n COLLOCATIONSnounsa symbolic gestureThey fired arrows out to sea in a symbolic gesture of defiance.
a symbolic actLighting the Olympic flame is a symbolic act.
symbolic importance/significanceThe capture of the city was of great symbolic importance.
adverbslargely symbolicThe vote was largely symbolic.
purely symbolicOur protest was meant to be purely symbolic.