Something emblematic is symbolic. Empty buildings are emblematic of a city in decline, and a crown is emblematic of royalty.
If you know that an emblem is a visual symbol, then you won't be surprised that emblematic things stand for other things. In fact, the word emblem comes from the French word for symbol. Something emblematic represents a larger issue, good or bad. Sometimes emblematic is used for things that are excellent examples. An A student is an emblematic student, and a war hero is an emblematic soldier. Emblematic people are symbols of what others aspire to be.
Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the words you need to know.