Which term means the use of symbols to convey conventional meanings?

• A. Symbolism
• B. Paradox
• C. In hot water
• D. Lend a hand

Answer: (A)

Symbolism is the use of symbols to convey conventional meanings. In literature and art, objects, colors, or figures stand for ideas beyond their literal sense because a shared cultural understanding links them to particular meanings. For example, a dove often represents peace, a red rose can symbolize love, and a storm might signal trouble. The important idea is that the symbol carries a meaning that the audience recognizes without it being stated outright. Paradox is a different device: a statement that seems self-contradictory but reveals a truth. Idioms like “in hot water” or “lend a hand” are phrases with figurative meaning, not devices that communicate broader ideas through symbolic representation. So the term that fits is symbolism.