Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Allegorical: meaning, definitions and examples

🎭
Add to dictionary

allegorical

 

[ˌælɪˈɡɔːrɪkəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

literature

Consisting of or pertaining to allegory; of the nature of an allegory; describing by resemblance; figurative.

Synonyms

figurative, representative, symbolic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
allegorical

Used when talking about something that represents a deeper, often moral or political meaning through characters and events.

  • The novel is highly allegorical, portraying the struggle between good and evil.
  • Many biblical stories are allegorical and carry spiritual lessons.
symbolic

Used when referring to something that represents or stands for something else, often an abstract idea.

  • The dove is a symbolic representation of peace.
  • Lighting candles is symbolic of remembrance and hope.
figurative

Used to describe language that uses figures of speech and does not have its usual literal meaning.

  • When he said he's drowning in work, he was being figurative.
  • The poet's figurative language paints vivid images in the reader's mind.
representative

Used to describe something that serves as a typical example or symbol of a particular quality or group.

  • The council member is seen as representative of the community's interests.
  • This painting is representative of the artist's early work.

Examples of usage

  • The story was allegorical, with each character representing a different aspect of society.
  • The allegorical elements in the novel added depth and complexity to the overall narrative.
Context #2 | Adjective

art

Characterized by the use of allegory; symbolic.

Synonyms

figurative, representational, symbolic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
allegorical

Used when referring to a story, poem, or picture that reveals a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

  • The book is an allegorical tale about the consequences of war.
  • His paintings are often described as allegorical.
symbolic

Used when something represents or stands for something else, particularly an idea or concept.

  • Doves are symbolic of peace.
  • The ceremony was full of symbolic gestures.
figurative

Applied when a word or expression is used in a way that is different from the usual meaning, often using metaphors and comparisons.

  • He spoke in a figurative language that was hard to understand.
  • The term 'storm' is used in a figurative sense to describe his mood.
representational

Used to describe art that aims to represent actual objects or subjects from reality.

  • The gallery featured representational art from the 19th century.
  • Her work is more representational than abstract.

Examples of usage

  • The painting was allegorical, with hidden meanings waiting to be deciphered.
  • The artist's allegorical style allowed viewers to interpret the artwork in multiple ways.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • One of the most famous allegorical works is 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell, where farm animals represent different social classes and political figures.
  • The 'Divine Comedy' by Dante Alighieri is an allegory of the soul's journey toward God, using vivid imagery of heaven, hell, and purgatory.
  • Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan uses characters like Christian and Hopeful to symbolize different aspects of faith and life’s journey.

Art

  • Allegorical paintings often feature personifications, such as Liberty or Justice, depicted as human figures embodying these concepts.
  • The artwork 'The Allegory of Spring' by Sandro Botticelli uses various symbols and figures to convey the arrival of spring and the fertility of nature.
  • Many Renaissance artists painted allegories to provide moral or political commentary, using complex symbolism to engage viewers.

Philosophy

  • Many philosophical texts, such as Plato’s 'Allegory of the Cave,' use allegory to discuss ideas about reality, perception, and enlightenment.
  • The allegorical method is often employed to critique society and provoke thought, urging readers to reflect on deeper meanings beneath the surface.
  • Allegories often reflect ethical questions, prompting individuals to consider their values and the consequences of their actions.

Film and Media

  • Movies like 'The Matrix' are considered allegorical, with layers of meaning that explore concepts of reality, control, and freedom.
  • 'Pan’s Labyrinth' uses allegory to depict the struggle between innocence and brutality amidst the backdrop of wartime Spain.
  • Animated films, such as 'Zootopia,' convey social issues like discrimination and acceptance through cute animal characters and situations.

History

  • Throughout history, allegories have been used in political discourse, where events and figures are depicted symbolically to comment on contemporary issues.
  • During the Reformation, allegorical interpretations of biblical texts were pivotal, as they allowed reformers to convey complex ideas subtly.
  • The use of allegory became prevalent during times of oppression, enabling writers and artists to critique authority while avoiding censorship.

Translations

Translations of the word "allegorical" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alegórico

🇮🇳 रूपकात्मक

🇩🇪 allegorisch

🇮🇩 alegoris

🇺🇦 алегоричний

🇵🇱 alegoryczny

🇯🇵 寓意的 (ぐういてき)

🇫🇷 allégorique

🇪🇸 alegórico

🇹🇷 alegorik

🇰🇷 우화적인

🇸🇦 استعاري

🇨🇿 alegorický

🇸🇰 alegorický

🇨🇳 寓言的 (yùyán de)

🇸🇮 alegoričen

🇮🇸 allegórískur

🇰🇿 аллегориялық

🇬🇪 ალეგორიული

🇦🇿 alleqorik

🇲🇽 alegórico

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,736, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.