allegoric
Adjective 1. Used in or characteristic of or containing allegory: Describes something that uses or is in the form of an allegory—a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. 2. Symbolic; figurative: Describes something that represents abstract ideas or principles through symbolic figures, actions, or imagery.
The word "allegoric" is used to describe works of art, literature, or speech where the surface narrative or image symbolizes a deeper, often moral or spiritual, meaning. It is synonymous with "allegorical."
- The film is an allegoric tale about the dangers of totalitarianism.
- Many medieval paintings are allegoric, with each element representing a specific virtue or sin.
- Her novel is richly allegoric, using the journey of a young girl to explore themes of self-discovery.
- Allegoric interpretation: The practice of explaining a text or artwork by seeking its hidden symbolic meaning.
- Scholars often provide an allegoric interpretation of ancient myths.
- Allegoric mode: A style or method of expression that relies on allegory.
- The poet wrote in an allegoric mode, making his work open to multiple readings.
- Allegorical (adj): The more common variant, identical in meaning to "allegoric."
- The allegorical meaning of the fable is clear.
- Allegorically (adv): In an allegorical manner.
- The story can be read allegorically.
- Allegory (n): The narrative or artistic form itself.
- "Animal Farm" is a famous allegory.
- Allegorist (n): A writer or creator of allegories.
- John Bunyan is a noted allegorist.
- Symbolic: Serving as a symbol.
- Figurative: Departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical.
- Emblematic: Serving as a symbol of a particular quality or concept.
- Parabolic: Having the form of a parable; allegorical.
- Literal: Taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.
- Realistic: Representing familiar things in a way that is accurate or true to life.
- Nonrepresentational: Not intended to represent actual objects or subjects.
(Note: "Allegoric" itself is not typically used in phrasal verbs or common idioms. The related noun "allegory" is used in critical discussion.) - To read something as an allegory: To interpret a work as having a hidden symbolic meaning. - One can read the entire epic as an allegory for the human condition.
- used in or characteristic of or containing allegory
- allegorical stories
- an allegorical painting of Victory leading an army