Question

An image, character, object, or action that stands for something beyond itself is called _____. an association an abstract idea a symbol a philosophical system

Answer 1

It's called symbolism, and is often used.

Answer 2

Answer: a symbol.

A symbol is a mark, sign, word, image, character, object or action that stands for something else. Symbols allow people to create mental links between things that are otherwise unrelated. All forms of communication are achieved through symbols, as letters are symbols for sounds, and words are symbols for concepts.