adjective C2 Proficient

allegorical

al-ih-GOR-ih-kuhl

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Allegorical (adjective) means relating to or containing allegory, a story or image in which characters and events stand for deeper ideas. Example: “The novel is an allegorical tale about power and greed.”

adjective

Relating to or containing allegory, a story or image in which characters and events stand for deeper ideas.

"The novel is an allegorical tale about power and greed."

"Critics read the painting as an allegorical portrait of justice."

"Her allegorical poem uses a river to represent time."

Examples of allegorical in a sentence →

How to use allegorical

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes something that uses a story or image to stand for a deeper idea.

When to use it

It is mostly used in writing about literature, art, and religion.

Memory tip

Use allegorical when a whole story or image carries a symbolic meaning, not just a single phrase.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

metaphorical →

Common pairings

allegorical tale allegorical painting allegorical meaning allegorical figure allegorical reading

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “allegorical” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The novel is an _____ tale about power and greed.

Etymology

The word comes from Latin allegoricus with the English ending -al added. It can also be analyzed as allegory plus -ical.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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allegoric

Rhymes for allegorical

musical comical radical medical logical lyrical typical cynical optical magical inimical biblical

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Frequently asked questions

What does allegorical mean?

Allegorical describes something that relates to or contains allegory, where characters and events stand for deeper ideas.

What is an example of an allegorical story?

A fable in which animals represent kinds of people is a common allegorical story. The surface tale carries a second, symbolic meaning.

What is a synonym for allegorical?

A synonym is allegoric, which has the same meaning.

What is the meaning of allegorical?

"allegorical" (adjective) means relating to or containing allegory, a story or image in which characters and events stand for deeper ideas.