symbol

Also known as symbols, Zsym

AI overview

A symbol is something—like a shape, color, or object—that represents or stands for something else, such as an idea or message. Symbols matter because they allow us to communicate meaning quickly and across language barriers, like how a red octagon means "stop" or colored ribbons show support for a cause.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Wikidata facts

Image: ReligijneSymbole.svg

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Commons category: Symbols
name: symboles
Commons gallery: Symbols

Sources (3)

via Wikidata · CC0

~12 min read

Article

16 sections

Contents

Etymology
Concepts and definitions
Symbols and semiotics
Psychoanalysis, rhetoric, and archetypes
Symbolic value
Paul Tillich
Role of context in symbolism
Historical meaning
Context
Symbols in cartography
Related terms
Computer encoding
See also
Notes
References
External links

A symbol is a mark, sign, or word that indicates, signifies, or is understood as representing an idea, object, relationship, or mathematical formula. Symbols allow people to go beyond what is known or seen by creating linkages between otherwise different concepts and experiences. All communication is achieved through the use of symbols: for example, a red octagon is a common symbol for "STOP"; on maps, blue lines often represent rivers; and a red rose often symbolizes love and compassion. Numerals are symbols for numbers; letters of an alphabet may be symbols for certain phonemes; and personal names are symbols representing individuals. The academic study of symbols is called semiotics.