syco|phant /s I kəfænt, [AM ] -fənt/ (sycophants ) N‑COUNT A sycophant is a person who behaves in a sycophantic way. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a dictator surrounded by sycophants, frightened to tell him what he may not like.
syco|phan|tic /s I kəfæ nt I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as sycophantic , you disapprove of them because they flatter people who are more important and powerful than they are in order to gain an advantage for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …his clique of sycophantic friends.
syl|la|ble /s I ləb ə l/ (syllables ) N‑COUNT A syllable is a part of a word that contains a single vowel sound and that is pronounced as a unit. So, for example, 'book' has one syllable, and 'reading' has two syllables. □ We children called her Oma, accenting both syllables.
syl|la|bus /s I ləbəs/ (syllabuses )
1 N‑COUNT You can refer to the subjects that are studied in a particular course as the syllabus . [mainly BRIT ] □ …the GCSE history syllabus.
2 N‑COUNT A syllabus is an outline or summary of the subjects to be covered in a course. [mainly AM ]
syl|van /s I lvən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sylvan is used to describe things that have an association with woods and trees. [LITERARY ]
sym|bio|sis /s I mbioʊ s I s, -ba I -/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Symbiosis is a close relationship between two organisms of different kinds which benefits both organisms. [TECHNICAL ] □ …the link between bacteria, symbiosis, and the evolution of plants and animals.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Symbiosis is any relationship between different things, people, or groups that benefits all the things or people concerned. □ [+ of ] …the cosy symbiosis of the traditional political parties.
sym|bi|ot|ic /s I mbiɒ t I k, -ba I -/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A symbiotic relationship is one in which organisms, people, or things exist together in a way that benefits them all. □ …fungi that have a symbiotic relationship with the trees of these northwestern forests.
sym|bol ◆◇◇ /s I mb ə l/ (symbols )
1 N‑COUNT Something that is a symbol of a society or an aspect of life seems to represent it because it is very typical of it. □ To them, the monarchy is the special symbol of nationhood. □ She was put under house arrest but remained a powerful symbol in the election.
2 N‑COUNT A symbol of something such as an idea is a shape or design that is used to represent it. □ I frequently use sunflowers as symbols of strength.
3 N‑COUNT A symbol for an item in a calculation or scientific formula is a number, letter, or shape that represents that item. □ What's the chemical symbol for mercury?
4 → see also sex symbol , status symbol
sym|bol|ic /s I mbɒ l I k/
1 ADJ If you describe an event, action, or procedure as symbolic , you mean that it represents an important change, although it has little practical effect. □ A lot of Latin-American officials are stressing the symbolic importance of the trip. □ The move today was largely symbolic. ● sym|boli|cal|ly /s I mbɒ l I kli/ ADV [ADV adj] □ It was a simple enough gesture, but symbolically important.
2 ADJ Something that is symbolic of a person or thing is regarded or used as a symbol of them. □ [+ of ] Yellow clothes are worn as symbolic of spring. ● sym|boli|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Each circle symbolically represents the whole of humanity.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Symbolic is used to describe things involving or relating to symbols. □ …symbolic representations of landscape.
sym|bol|ise /s I mbəla I z/ → see symbolize
sym|bol|ism /s I mbəl I zəm/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Symbolism is the use of symbols in order to represent something. □ The scene is so rich in symbolism that any explanation risks spoiling the effect.
2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the symbolism of an event or action when it seems to show something important about a situation. □ [+ of ] The symbolism of every gesture will be of vital importance during the short state visit.
sym|bol|ize /s I mbəla I z/ (symbolizes , symbolizing , symbolized ) in BRIT, also use symbolise VERB If one thing symbolizes another, it is used or regarded as a symbol of it. □ [V n] A cherry twig is placed in water to symbolize the hope of new life to come. □ [V -ed] …the post-war world order symbolised by the United Nations.
sym|met|ri|cal /s I me tr I k ə l/ ADJ If something is symmetrical , it has two halves which are exactly the same, except that one half is the mirror image of the other. □ …the neat rows of perfectly symmetrical windows. ● sym|met|ri|cal|ly /s I me tr I kl/ ADV [ADV with v] □ The south garden at Sissinghurst was composed symmetrically.
sym|me|try /s I m I tri/ (symmetries )
1 N‑VAR Something that has symmetry is symmetrical in shape, design, or structure. □ …the incredible beauty and symmetry of a snowflake. □ I loved the house because it had perfect symmetry.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Symmetry in a relationship or agreement is the fact of both sides giving and receiving an equal amount. □ The superpowers pledged to maintain symmetry in their arms shipments.
sym|pa|thet|ic /s I mpəθe t I k/
1 ADJ If you are sympathetic to someone who is in a bad situation, you are kind to them and show that you understand their feelings. □ [+ to ] She was very sympathetic to the problems of adult students. □ It may be that he sees you only as a sympathetic friend. ● sym|pa|theti|cal|ly /s I mpəθe t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ She nodded sympathetically.