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Dove

Symbolism
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A dove commonly symbolizes peace, innocence, love, or spiritual hope.

Detailed Definition
The dove carries religious, cultural, and poetic associations with reconciliation and renewal. Its white feathers and gentle movement often make it an emblem of purity, while its flight can suggest the soul's release from grief or confinement. In love poetry, a dove may represent tenderness or fidelity. A poet can complicate the symbol by placing the bird in a violent, polluted, or silent landscape.
Example
Example in poetry:
A dove released over a battlefield can symbolize a fragile hope for peace; In a love poem, a dove at the window may represent a message of fidelity or gentle affection; A white dove rising from a dark church can symbolize spiritual renewal after grief; A poet may contrast a wounded dove with violent human speech to show innocence endangered by cruelty
Additional Notes
A dove often conveys peace, innocence, devotion, or spiritual comfort. Its meaning can shift with context: a white dove may suggest reconciliation or purity, while a caged or wounded dove can represent threatened freedom or lost innocence. Related images include the olive branch and flight.
Other Meanings of “Dove”
Also Known As
Peace Dove White Dove Pigeon
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