Difference between revisions of "Symbol"
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− | The word derives from the Greek symbolon meaning token or watchword. It is an amalgam of syn- "together" + bole "a throwing, a casting, the stroke of a missile, bolt, beam." The sense [[Evolution]] in Greek is from "throwing things together" to "contrasting" to "comparing" to "token used in comparisons to determine if something is genuine." Hence, "outward sign" of something. The meaning "something which stands for something else" was first recorded 1590, in Edmund Spenser's Faerie Queene. | + | |
+ | A '''[[symbol]]''' is something that represents an [[idea]], a process, or a [[physical]] [[entity]]. The {{Wiki|purpose}} of a [[symbol]] is to {{Wiki|communicate}} meaning. For example, a [[red]] octagon may be a [[symbol]] for "STOP". On a map, a picture of a tent might represent a campsite. Numerals are [[symbols]] for numbers. Personal names are [[symbols]] representing {{Wiki|individuals}}. A [[red]] rose [[symbolizes]] [[Love]] and [[Compassion]]. | ||
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+ | In cartography, an organized collection of [[symbols]] [[forms]] a legend. | ||
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+ | {{Wiki|Etymology}} | ||
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+ | The [[word]] derives from the {{Wiki|Greek}} symbolon meaning token or watchword. It is an amalgam of syn- "together" + bole "a throwing, a casting, the stroke of a missile, bolt, beam." The [[sense]] [[Evolution]] in {{Wiki|Greek}} is from "throwing things together" to "contrasting" to "comparing" to "token used in comparisons to determine if something is genuine." Hence, "outward sign" of something. The meaning "something which stands for something else" was first recorded 1590, in Edmund Spenser's Faerie Queene. | ||
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] |
Latest revision as of 06:02, 4 February 2016
A symbol is something that represents an idea, a process, or a physical entity. The purpose of a symbol is to communicate meaning. For example, a red octagon may be a symbol for "STOP". On a map, a picture of a tent might represent a campsite. Numerals are symbols for numbers. Personal names are symbols representing individuals. A red rose symbolizes Love and Compassion.
In cartography, an organized collection of symbols forms a legend.
The word derives from the Greek symbolon meaning token or watchword. It is an amalgam of syn- "together" + bole "a throwing, a casting, the stroke of a missile, bolt, beam." The sense Evolution in Greek is from "throwing things together" to "contrasting" to "comparing" to "token used in comparisons to determine if something is genuine." Hence, "outward sign" of something. The meaning "something which stands for something else" was first recorded 1590, in Edmund Spenser's Faerie Queene.