Symbolism

[/ˈsɪmbəlɪzəm/]
noun
Simbolismo
1. The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities
The symbolism in the painting represents hope and renewal.
O simbolismo na pintura representa esperança e renovação.
2. A late 19th-century artistic and literary movement that emphasized subjective experience and the power of imagination
French Symbolism emerged as a reaction against Realism and Naturalism.
O Simbolismo francês surgiu como reação contra o Realismo e Naturalismo.
3. The practice of investing things with symbolic meaning or importance
The symbolism of the flag goes beyond its physical appearance.
O simbolismo da bandeira vai além de sua aparência física.
4. A system of symbols or their meanings, especially within a cultural or religious context
Understanding the symbolism of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics requires extensive study.
Entender o simbolismo dos hieróglifos egípcios antigos requer estudo extensivo.
Symbolism is particularly significant in Brazilian and Portuguese literature and art history. The Symbolist movement influenced modernist writers like Fernando Pessoa in Portugal and Brazilian poets. In contemporary usage, Brazilians frequently discuss symbolism in the context of Carnival, religious iconography, and national symbols like the Amazon rainforest and Christ the Redeemer statue.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
RepresentationAllegoryMetaphorImageryEmblematism
Antonyms / Antônimos
LiteralismRealismConcrete representation

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
Simbolismo
Standard term used throughout Brazil for both the artistic movement and the general concept
Rio de Janeiro
Simbolismo
No significant regional variation; term is consistent with standard Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
Simbolismo
Academic and literary contexts frequently reference the movement; no regional distinction
Portugal
Simbolismo
European Portuguese uses the same term; Portuguese Symbolism was a parallel literary movement

Related Words

SymbolSymbolicSymbolizeMetaphorAllegoryImagerySemioticsSign

Related Idioms & Phrases

Reading between the lines - understanding hidden symbolism
A symbol of something - representing a particular quality or idea
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