Common Lisp predicate basics: which function returns t when and only when the provided object is a symbol?

Introduction / Context: Lisp code frequently inspects data types at runtime. Recognizing the correct predicate for symbols is fundamental, especially when manipulating code-as-data, macros, or abstract syntax trees where symbols serve as identifiers.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The dialect is Common Lisp.
• Predicates often end with p and return t or nil.
• We need a general test for “is this value a symbol?”

Concept / Approach: The standard predicate for symbols is symbolp. Alternatives listed either are not predicates of the right kind or test different properties: constantp checks whether a form is a compile-time constant, while (*