Emblematises

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To represent an idea, concept, or quality by using a specific symbol or emblem
2. To stand for or symbolize something by means of a distinctive sign or figure
3. To express or illustrate abstract properties or themes through a recognizable emblematic image

Etymology: "Emblematises" is the third-person singular form of "emblematise", a verb meaning to express abstract qualities through a recognizable emblem. The root word is "emblem", which comes from Latin "emblema", borrowed from Greek "emblēma", meaning something inserted or set in, such as a raised ornament or mosaic inlay. The Greek verb "emballein" ("to throw in") supplies the sense of insertion. The verb itself is formed by adding the suffix "-ise" (in its variant "-ize") to "emblem", a pattern used to turn nouns into verbs meaning "to make into or represent as" that noun. So to emblematise something is, in effect, to turn it into an emblem, giving a concrete picture to an idea that has no picture of its own.

Synonyms: symbolizes, represents, signifies