symbolic

A symbolic thing is a sign or idea that stands for something else. It's like a shortcut to understanding.

When we talk about things being symbolic, we usually mean that they represent something more abstract or deeper than what you see on the surface. For example, if someone wears a red poppy on Remembrance Day, it might be symbolic of their respect and memory of war heroes. The poppy itself is just a small pin or flower, but it stands for the much bigger idea of remembering and honoring those who have made sacrifices. In art, literature, or even politics, symbols are often used to convey complex ideas or emotions in a way that's easy to understand and remember. So, symbolic things help us connect with bigger meanings and messages without having to spell everything out.