C2adjectiveformalarts
US/ˌæl.əˈɡɔːr.ɪ.kəl/
UK/ˌæl.ɪˈɡɒr.ɪ.kəl/
telling a story in which characters and events stand for deeper ideas, such as politics or morals
In context
Animal Farm is an allegorical tale about power and revolution.
The painting has an allegorical meaning that most visitors miss.
Read in an allegorical way, the film is about the country's history.
Words that go with allegorical
adjective + noun
- allegorical figureThe woman with scales is an allegorical figure of justice.
- allegorical meaningScholars still debate the poem's allegorical meaning.
- allegorical taleThe children's book is really an allegorical tale for adults.
- allegorical paintingThe palace has a ceiling covered in allegorical paintings.
adverb + adjective
- highly allegoricalThe play is highly allegorical and hard to stage.