Symbolism In Literature

noun a form of chemistry and speculative philosophy practiced in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and concerned principally with discovering methods for transmuting baser metals into gold and with finding a universal solvent and an elixir of life

• The practice of alchemy dates back to ancient times, where practitioners sought to transform base metals into gold.
• I heard that guy is really into alchemy, always trying to mix weird ingredients together.
• Yo, that alchemy stuff is like magic, turning nothing into something cool.
• In literature, the author used alchemy as a metaphor for personal transformation and growth.

adjective relating to or containing allegory, which is a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one

• The novel is filled with allegorical references to historical events.
• The movie's plot has an allegorical message about the dangers of greed.
• I didn't realize the song had such an allegorical meaning until I read the lyrics.
• The painting's allegorical depiction of love and loss resonated with viewers.

verb to interpret or explain in terms of an allegory

• The author chose to allegorize the political situation in his novel.
• She likes to allegorize real-life events in her artwork.
• I didn't realize he was allegorizing his own experiences in that song.
• The painting seemed to allegorize the struggle between good and evil.

noun the powdery residue left after the burning of a substance

• The ashes of the deceased were scattered in the garden.
• We roasted marshmallows over the ashes of the campfire.
• I can't believe you're still holding onto the ashes of that old relationship.
• From the ashes of failure, she rose stronger than ever before.

noun Autumn is a noun that refers to the season between summer and winter, characterized by cooler temperatures and falling leaves.

• The autumn equinox marks the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere.
• I love taking long walks in the park during autumn.
• Autumn is the perfect time to cozy up with a good book and a hot drink.
• Just like the changing leaves in autumn, life goes through seasons of transformation.

noun a sign or indication

verb to be a sign or indication of something

• The dark clouds betoken an incoming storm.
• His sudden silence betokens trouble ahead.
• Her raised eyebrow betokens her disbelief.
• The old ruins betoken a rich history waiting to be uncovered.

noun a structure or container in which birds are kept or confined

• The bird cage was intricately designed with ornate metalwork.
• I bought a new bird cage for my pet parakeet.
• I scored a sweet bird cage at the thrift store for a steal.
• She felt trapped in a bird cage of her own making, unable to break free from her self-imposed limitations.

noun the part of a dress that covers the chest

• She held the precious locket close to her bosom, treasuring the memories it contained.
• I tucked the photo into my bosom so I wouldn't lose it.
• She slipped the stolen item into her bosom to hide it from the security guard.
• The company's new policy was kept close to the bosom of the CEO until it was officially announced.

noun the first light of day; dawn

• The break of day signaled the start of a new morning.
• We stayed up all night and saw the break of day.
• Let's party until the break of day!
• The break of day marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

noun a representation of this creature in medieval art and literature

• According to medieval legend, a cockatrice is a mythical creature with the body of a dragon and the head of a rooster.
• I heard a story about a brave knight who defeated a cockatrice in a fierce battle.
• That guy is as fierce as a cockatrice when he's angry.
• The scandalous rumors spread through the town like a cockatrice's deadly gaze.

noun a spider's web, especially an old or abandoned one

• The old abandoned house was covered in cobwebs, indicating that it had not been cleaned in years.
• I walked into the attic and nearly ran into a huge cobweb hanging from the ceiling.
• I hate it when I walk through a spider's cobweb by accident, it gives me the creeps.
• The cobwebs of doubt clouded her mind, making it hard for her to make a decision.

verb to suggest or imply in addition to the literal or primary meaning

• The word 'luxurious' connotes a sense of wealth and opulence.
• Using the term 'boss' can connote authority or leadership.
• In teen slang, 'lit' often connotes something exciting or cool.
• The dark clouds connote an impending storm.

adjective lying down with the head raised, as if about to rise

• The lion statue was depicted in a couchant position, symbolizing watchfulness and protection.
• The dog was lying couchant on the grass, enjoying the sunshine.
• I found my cat all couchant on the couch, looking all cozy and lazy.
• The idea of success seemed to be couchant in his mind, always ready to pounce on new opportunities.

noun A representation of a cross with a figure of Jesus Christ on it

• The priest held up the crucifix during the church service.
• I always feel comforted when I see a crucifix hanging on the wall.
• Some people wear crucifix necklaces as a fashion statement.
• The crucifix symbolizes sacrifice and redemption in Christianity.

noun A small flower with white petals and a yellow center, often used to represent innocence or purity

• The daisy is a common flower found in many gardens.
• I picked a daisy from the field and put it in my hair.
• She loves to wear daisies in her hair, it's her signature look.
• The daisy symbolizes innocence and purity in many cultures.

noun the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise

verb to begin to grow light as the sun rises

• The first light of dawn illuminated the horizon.
• Let's catch the sunrise at dawn tomorrow.
• We partied until dawn and had a blast.
• As the new era dawned, opportunities for growth emerged.

noun the time in the morning when light first appears in the sky

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• The birds began chirping at daybreak, signaling the start of a new day.
• Let's catch the sunrise at daybreak tomorrow, it's going to be beautiful.
• We partied until daybreak and had the best time ever.
• After a long period of darkness, she finally saw the daybreak of hope in her life.

noun a jeweled crown or headband worn as a symbol of sovereignty

• The queen wore a sparkling diadem on her head during the coronation ceremony.
• She looked like a princess with that shiny diadem on her head.
• That diadem is blingin'!
• The CEO wore the diadem of success as she led her company to new heights.

noun a covered passageway between two parts of a building

verb to move or run with a swift, easy pace

• The architect designed a beautiful home with a traditional dogtrot style.
• Let's sit on the porch of the dogtrot house and enjoy the sunset.
• I love how cozy the dogtrot cabin feels during winter.
• The project progressed at a dogtrot pace, but we eventually finished on time.

noun the darker stage of twilight

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• As the sun began to set, the sky turned a beautiful shade of pink at dusk.
• Let's go for a walk at dusk, it's the perfect time to enjoy the cool evening breeze.
• I love hanging out with my friends at dusk, it's so chill.
• The city seemed to come alive at dusk, with the lights twinkling like stars.

noun a female given name

• The garden of Eden is often depicted as a paradise in religious texts.
• I heard they're having a party at Eden's house this weekend.
• Let's hit up Eden's place for some chill vibes.
• To me, the library is like my own personal Eden where I can escape reality.

noun an idealized person or thing; a specter or phantom

• The artist aimed to create an eidolon of beauty in her sculpture.
• I saw an eidolon of my favorite celebrity at the wax museum.
• That movie star is like an eidolon of perfection.
• The old house stood as an eidolon of a bygone era.

noun a type of phosphorescent light resembling the glow of a fox's eyes

• The phenomenon of fox fire is a natural occurrence where bioluminescent fungi grow on decaying wood.
• I heard there was some fox fire spotted in the forest last night, it looked so cool!
• Dude, did you see that fox fire in the woods? It was lit!
• Her eyes sparkled like fox fire in the darkness, drawing me in with their mysterious glow.

noun clouds - visible masses of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere

• As the gathering clouds approached, the meteorologists warned of an impending storm.
• We better pack up soon, I can see gathering clouds on the horizon.
• Dude, those gathering clouds look ominous. We might get soaked.
• The gathering clouds of uncertainty loomed over their relationship, casting a shadow on their future.

noun a person born under this sign

• The Gemini spacecraft was a manned spaceflight program in the United States during the 1960s.
• I heard that Sarah is a Gemini, just like me!
• Gemini season is the best time of year, hands down.
• Her personality is like a Gemini, constantly shifting and unpredictable.

noun a place of burial for a dead body

verb to dig a hole in the ground for burial

adjective serious or solemn in manner or appearance

• The family gathered at the grave site to pay their respects.
• I can't believe we lost the game, it's a grave situation.
• That party was so boring, it was a total grave.
• The CEO's decision to cut costs could be a grave mistake in the long run.

adjective a color intermediate between black and white, as of ashes or an overcast sky

• The sky turned grey as the storm approached.
• I prefer wearing grey over black.
• That new car is so grey, I love it!
• His mood was as grey as the rainy weather outside.

noun a musical instrument consisting of a triangular frame strung with strings that are plucked or strummed with the fingers.

• The musician played a beautiful melody on the harp during the orchestra performance.
• I love listening to someone play the harp, it's so soothing.
• She's really good at plucking the strings on that harp.
• The harp of nature played a gentle tune as the wind rustled through the trees.

noun a sacrifice

• The act of immolation was considered a sacred ritual in some ancient cultures.
• I heard they found evidence of immolation in the abandoned building down the street.
• Dude, that movie was so intense, it was like total immolation scene!
• His reckless behavior was like a slow immolation of his reputation.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

preposition a word governing and usually preceding a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun, and in some languages extending to volume or numerical scope

• The leaves rustled in the wind as the storm approached.
• Her hair was blowing all over the place in the wind.
• We were just chilling in the wind, enjoying the breeze.
• His words were like whispers in the wind, easily forgotten.

noun a climbing or trailing plant with lobed leaves, typically growing on trees or buildings

• The ivy climbing up the walls of the old mansion added a touch of elegance to the exterior.
• I love how the ivy looks on that building, it gives it a cool vibe.
• That ivy on the fence is so dope, it really makes the whole place look better.
• The ivy of jealousy slowly crept into her heart, consuming her with negative thoughts.

noun a sound made by a bell, especially when rung solemnly for a death or funeral

• The tolling of the knell signaled the end of the funeral service.
• The sound of the knell echoed through the quiet village.
• I could feel the knell of impending doom hanging over us.
• The closing of the factory was the knell of the town's economy.

noun a flattened structure of a higher plant, typically green and blade-like, that is attached to a stem directly or via a stalk.

• The botanist carefully examined the structure of the leaf under a microscope.
• I found a pretty leaf on my walk and decided to press it in a book.
• Check out the cool leaf I found, it's so vibrant!
• As the project progressed, she turned over every leaf to find a solution.

noun something that is very large and powerful

• The leviathan is a mythical sea monster mentioned in various ancient texts.
• Have you heard about the leviathan in the latest fantasy novel?
• That shark is a real leviathan, it's huge!
• The massive corporation was often referred to as a leviathan in the business world.

noun a plant of the pea family with deeply divided leaves and tall spikes of colorful flowers

adjective relating to or resembling a wolf

• The lupine plant is known for its beautiful purple flowers.
• I saw a bunch of lupines blooming in the field.
• Those lupines are really popping off this year.
• Her personality is as vibrant as a field of lupines.

noun a type of edible substance that is miraculously provided for the Israelites in the Bible, often considered to be bread from heaven

• The manna provided by the government helped alleviate the food shortage in the region.
• The manna from the food bank really saved us when we were low on groceries.
• That free pizza was like manna from heaven after a long day at work.
• His words of encouragement were like manna for her soul during a difficult time.

noun a mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something

verb to damage or spoil the appearance of something

• The mar on the antique table decreased its value significantly.
• I accidentally marred the new car by scratching the paint.
• Don't mar our plans by being late to the party.
• Her betrayal marred their friendship beyond repair.

noun a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one

• The caterpillar undergoes a metamorphosis to become a butterfly.
• Have you seen the amazing metamorphosis of a tadpole into a frog?
• Dude, that caterpillar just did a total metamorphosis!
• His journey through college was a metamorphosis, transforming him into a confident adult.

noun something that is a heavy burden or obstacle

• The millstone was used to grind wheat into flour in the ancient mill.
• I can't believe I have to carry this millstone all the way to the top of the hill.
• I feel like a millstone around his neck, always dragging him down.
• Her guilt was like a heavy millstone around her neck, weighing her down.

noun An optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of a sheet of water in a desert or on a hot road caused by the refraction of light from the sky by heated air.

• The travelers were deceived by the mirage in the desert.
• We thought we saw an oasis, but it was just a mirage.
• Don't be fooled by that mirage, it's just a trick of the light.
• His dreams of fame and fortune turned out to be nothing but a mirage.

noun a stretch of swampy or boggy ground

verb to involve or entangle in difficulties or complicated circumstances

• The company found itself in a mire of legal troubles after the scandal broke.
• I stepped into a mire while hiking and had to clean off my boots afterwards.
• Don't get yourself stuck in that mire of drama, it's not worth it.
• Her mind was in a mire of confusion as she tried to make sense of the situation.

noun a recurring theme, subject, or idea in a literary work or piece of art

• The motif of love and sacrifice is prevalent throughout the novel.
• The repeated motif of butterflies symbolizes transformation in the story.
• That graffiti artist always tags his signature motif on the walls around town.
• The motif of darkness creeping in symbolizes the protagonist's inner turmoil.

noun a single unit of a flower's corolla, usually colorful and fragrant

• The delicate petal of the rose is a symbol of beauty and fragility.
• She loves to press flowers and save each colorful petal in her journal.
• That dress is so pretty, it's like wearing a petal!
• The petal of hope bloomed in her heart, despite the challenges she faced.

verb past tense of petrify

adjective having been changed into a stony substance; hardened or immobilized with fear

• The hikers were petrified when they encountered a bear in the woods.
• I was absolutely petrified during the horror movie marathon last night.
• She was petrified of getting caught sneaking out by her parents.
• The thought of public speaking petrified him more than anything else.

noun A tadpole or young frog

• The teacher explained that a polliwog is the larval stage of a frog.
• I found a cute little polliwog in the pond today!
• Check out that tiny polliwog swimming around!
• She felt like a polliwog in a big pond, trying to navigate her new job.

noun a pile of combustible materials for burning a corpse as a funeral rite

• The villagers gathered around the pyre to pay their respects to the deceased.
• We roasted marshmallows over the campfire pyre last night.
• Let's light up a pyre and have a bonfire party!
• The politician's reputation went up in flames like a pyre after the scandal was exposed.

noun a pair of glasses designed for reading or close work

• She peered over her reading glasses to get a better look at the fine print.
• I can't read this small text without my reading glasses.
• I always have to bust out my reading glasses when I'm trying to read a menu in a dimly lit restaurant.
• His reading glasses helped him see through the deception in the contract.

noun a large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another such stream

• The river flowed gracefully through the valley, providing water for the surrounding farmland.
• Let's go for a swim in the river later, it's a hot day.
• I heard that new club is lit, we should go check it out by the river.
• Her emotions ran deep like a powerful river, always moving and changing.

noun a type of flowering plant

verb past tense of rise

adjective having a pink or red color like a rose

• The rose is a symbol of love and beauty in many cultures.
• She bought a bouquet of roses for her mother's birthday.
• He's always giving her roses, he must really like her.
• Despite facing many challenges, she rose to the occasion and succeeded.

noun a bright red color

adjective a bright red color

• The scarlet dress she wore to the gala was absolutely stunning.
• She looked amazing in that bright scarlet dress.
• That scarlet outfit is fire!
• The scarlet sunset painted the sky in shades of red and orange.

noun a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface

verb to cast a shadow over

• The shadow of the building cast a long dark line across the sidewalk.
• I saw a shadow lurking in the corner of the room.
• Let's dip into the shadows and avoid the spotlight.
• His past mistakes cast a shadow over his future opportunities.

noun a bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping

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• The librarian handed me a sheaf of papers to review.
• I found a sheaf of old letters in the attic.
• He pulled out a sheaf of cash from his pocket.
• The artist presented a sheaf of new ideas for the project.

noun a small brown bird known for its melodious song and acrobatic flight

verb to frolic or engage in playful behavior

• The skylark is known for its melodious song and impressive aerial displays.
• I love watching skylarks soar high in the sky, singing their hearts out.
• Check out that skylark showing off its acrobatic moves up there!
• Her laughter filled the room like a skylark's song on a sunny morning.

noun a person who sings beautifully or melodiously

• The songbird perched on the tree branch and began to sing a melodious tune.
• I love listening to the songbird outside my window every morning.
• That songbird has the most beautiful voice, it's like music to my ears.
• She was known as the songbird of her generation, her voice captivating audiences everywhere.

noun an event or scene that is memorable for its visual impact

• The professor peered over his spectacles as he reviewed the research paper.
• I can't find my spectacles anywhere, have you seen them?
• Check out those cool specs, where did you get them?
• Through the spectacles of hindsight, we can see where we went wrong.

noun a horse, especially a riding horse

• The knight rode his trusty steed into battle.
• I love going for a ride on my steed in the countryside.
• Check out that dude on his sick steed, cruising down the street.
• Education is the steed that will carry you to success in life.

noun a type of seabird known for its ability to predict storms at sea

• The stormy petrel is a small seabird known for its ability to predict storms at sea.
• I heard that the stormy petrel is like a little weather forecaster for sailors.
• That stormy petrel sure knows how to sniff out trouble on the high seas.
• She was like a stormy petrel, always sensing when things were about to go wrong.

noun a thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract

• The symbol of the company is a lion, representing strength and leadership.
• The symbol on that flag looks really cool, don't you think?
• That tattoo is a symbol of his rebellious nature.
• The dove is often seen as a symbol of peace and harmony.

adjective relating to or representing something in a symbolic way; serving as a symbol

• The use of a white dove as a symbolic representation of peace is a common motif in literature.
• Wearing a wedding ring is often seen as a symbolic gesture of commitment.
• Getting a matching tattoo with your best friend can be a symbolic way to show your bond.
• The crumbling statue was seen as a symbolic representation of the city's decline.

adjective relating to or serving as a symbol

adverb in a symbolic manner

• The use of a white dove as a symbolical representation of peace is a common motif in literature.
• She wore a necklace with a symbolical pendant that reminded her of her grandmother.
• The graffiti artist used a symbolical tag to mark his territory in the urban landscape.
• The sunset painted a symbolical picture of the end of a chapter in their lives.

verb A word that expresses an action or a state of being. In this case, 'symbolizing' is a verb that indicates the act of representing or standing for something else.

• The dove is often used as a symbolizing peace and hope in many cultures.
• The red rose is symbolizing love and passion in this painting.
• The skull tattoo is symbolizing rebellion and nonconformity.
• The setting sun symbolizing the end of a chapter in our lives.

verb to change or transform in a remarkable or supernatural way

• The artist used light and shadow to transfigure the ordinary scene into something extraordinary.
• With a little bit of makeup, she can transfigure her appearance in no time.
• I can't believe how that filter can transfigure your selfies to look so different.
• His words had the power to transfigure her mood from sadness to joy in an instant.

adjective describing a state of being without clothing or a robe

• The statue was unrobed to reveal its intricate marble details.
• She unrobed quickly before jumping into the pool.
• I can't believe he unrobed in front of everyone at the party!
• The truth was finally unrobed, revealing the shocking reality of the situation.

noun a low area of land between hills or mountains, typically with a river or stream flowing through it

• The valley is known for its fertile soil and abundant agriculture.
• Let's go for a hike in the valley this weekend.
• I love chilling in the valley, it's so peaceful.
• In the valley of despair, she found the strength to carry on.

noun a frame designed to support someone while walking, typically used as a aid for those with mobility issues

• The walker strolled through the park, enjoying the peaceful scenery.
• I saw the walker taking a leisurely walk around the neighborhood.
• That walker is always out and about, getting their steps in.
• As a writer, she was a skilled word walker, effortlessly navigating through complex narratives.

noun a type of wind-driven toy or decoration that spins or whirls

• The children played with a whirligig in the park.
• I saw a cool whirligig at the store and had to buy it.
• That whirligig is so rad, I love watching it spin around.
• Her thoughts were like a whirligig, spinning in all directions.

noun a column of air moving rapidly around and around in a cylindrical or funnel shape

adjective characterized by or involving rapid changes or activity

• The company experienced a whirlwind of changes after the merger.
• I can't keep up with all the whirlwind of gossip going around.
• She's been in a whirlwind relationship with that guy for months now.
• His thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions after receiving the news.

noun A wild carnivorous mammal of the dog family, living and hunting in packs

• The wolf is a carnivorous mammal of the dog family, known for its howling and hunting in packs.
• I heard there are wolves in the nearby forest, so be careful when hiking.
• That guy is a total wolf, always on the prowl for a new romantic interest.
• The new CEO is like a wolf, constantly looking for ways to outperform the competition.

noun A woman's uterus

• The fetus develops inside the mother's womb during pregnancy.
• I can't wait for the baby to come out of the womb!
• She's been carrying that baby in her womb for nine months now.
• The company was like a nurturing womb for new ideas and innovations.

noun a type of traditional Japanese musical drama that has been performed for hundreds of years

• Noh is a traditional form of Japanese theater that has been performed for centuries.
• Have you ever seen a Noh performance? It's really fascinating.
• I heard that Noh performances are super cool, we should check one out sometime.
• The way she moved on stage was like a Noh actor, so graceful and controlled.

noun a brief period of rain falling while the sun is shining

• A sunshower is a meteorological phenomenon where rain falls while the sun is shining.
• I love when a sunshower happens, it's like getting a free shower from nature.
• I heard that a sunshower is when the devil is beating his wife.
• The sunshower of emotions overwhelmed her as she tried to process the news.

noun a large seabird with long wings, noted for its graceful flight and floating ability on the ocean

• The albatross is a large seabird known for its impressive wingspan.
• I spotted an albatross gliding gracefully over the ocean.
• Dude, that albatross is huge!
• The failed project became an albatross around his neck, weighing him down with regret.

noun a young or small owl

• The owlet is a young owl that has not yet developed its full plumage.
• I spotted a cute owlet in the tree outside my window.
• That owlet is so tiny and fluffy, it's adorable!
• The owlet symbolizes new beginnings and growth in many cultures.

noun a staff or walking stick carried as a symbol of authority or office, especially by a shepherd or ruler

• In the biblical story, Aaron's rod miraculously blossomed with flowers overnight.
• Hey, did you see Aaron's rod blooming in the garden? It's pretty cool.
• I heard Aaron's rod is the new hot trend in gardening these days.
• Her leadership skills were like Aaron's rod, always flourishing and guiding others.

noun a word of mystic meaning in Gnostic systems of belief, generally referring to the Supreme Being

• Abraxas is a term that is often used in Gnostic texts to represent a deity or higher power.
• I heard that some people believe in the power of abraxas for protection.
• Yo, that necklace you got with the abraxas symbol is sick!
• The concept of abraxas can be seen as a symbol of the balance between good and evil in the universe.

verb to equip or prepare oneself for a task or challenge

• The knight accinge himself with his armor before going into battle.
• Hey, don't forget to accinge yourself with sunscreen before hitting the beach.
• I need to accinge myself with some coffee before this meeting.
• She accinged herself with courage before facing her fears.

noun a type of plant with long, narrow leaves that resemble a snake's tongue

• The adder's-tongue is a type of fern commonly found in moist woodland areas.
• I spotted some adder's-tongue while hiking in the forest.
• Check out the cool adder's-tongue growing by the creek!
• Her words were as sharp as an adder's-tongue, leaving a lasting impact on those who heard them.