To symbolize something is to represent or represent as something. When you symbolize a group of people, you are saying that they are similar to a group of things.
The flag symbolizes the country's values.
The statue symbolizes the city's history.
verb
express indirectly by an image, form, or model; be a symbol
Synonyms:
verb
represent or identify by using a symbol; use symbols
Synonyms:
1
This shift affected the symbolism of the emblem.
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The focal point of the emblem is the fire symbol.
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The circle shape of the Emblem is a symbol of a life and eternity.
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The crest on the club emblem is the symbol of the flag of Friesland.
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The Scout emblem features a budding nutmeg, the national symbol.
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The logo represents that of the Notre Dame symbol.
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This corresponds to the symbols the Gemini constellation represents.
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For Christians the Cross on Mount Calvary expresses the symbol.
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It does not concisely express the redolent symbolism embodied in the dish.
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In the centre of the flag is tripod symbol, which represents unity.