Represented or stood for something abstract or deeper meaning using a concrete object or action.
From 'symbol' (from Greek 'symbolon,' meaning token or sign) plus the suffix '-ize.' The concept developed from the Greek practice of breaking an object in half and giving each person a piece as proof of agreement.
The Greek root 'symbolon' literally meant something thrown together—it originally described a physical token created by joining two pieces, making it a perfect root for a word about representing hidden meanings.
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