A symbol is something that stands for something esle. It can be a sound, gesture, or written character that represents an object, action, event, or idea. Vaguely, it is defined as something that stands for something else. Generally, symbols are figurative, meaning that they compare or merge two unlike things. A symbol is the marriage of an abstraction to a concrete expression.

Symbols are also used in comparisons, such as similes, metaphors, and synecdoches. In a way, a symbol is merely a more complicated form of a metaphor.

ExamplesEdit

Some examples are:

• a heart-shape for love (♥)
  • as in- "I ♥ Hawaii."
• a smiley face indicating happiness
• a storm to emphasize the chaos in a story or character's situation
• a character who stands in for a whole class of people

Related pagesEdit

• Symbolism
• Forum:Sign vs. Symbol

External linksEdit

SparkNotes Psychology Glossary