Symbol of/for

[ratóncolorao]

Hello,

Could you please tell me about the use of these two prepositions?:


It is a symbol of

It is a symbol for

Are they used indistinctly?

(Sorry, I can't provide examples)

Thanks a lot for your help

 

[mayita1usa]

I haven't researched this, so I apologize if this isn't a comprehensive answer! But here are my thoughts:

- symbol for is more often used when a specific sign or symbol is used to represent or take the place of another specific thing. The $ is the symbol for US dollars.

- symbol of, on the other hand, tends to be used with abstract concepts. The dove is a symbol of peace in some cultures.