This is the 4618th most frequent German word.
symbolisch
"Symbolisch" means "symbolic" in English.
Here, 'symbolisch' is used to indicate that the action of giving the gift represents an idea rather than fulfilling a practical purpose.
Das Geschenk war nur symbolisch.
The gift was merely symbolic.
In this case, 'symbolisch' emphasizes the representation of a concept or state via a visible structure.
Die Ruine ist symbolisch für die Vergänglichkeit.
The ruin is symbolic for transience.
Here, 'symbolisch' signifies that the apology serves as a gesture rather than being a substantive rectification of the issue.