Meaning & Definition of word "Allegory"
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Allegory
/ˈæl.ɪ.ɡəri/
noun:
- 1. A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
- Example: George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' is a powerful allegory of the Russian Revolution.
- 2. An artistic work in which the characters and events symbolize a deeper moral or spiritual meaning.
- Example: The novel is rich in allegory, illustrating the struggles of humanity through its characters.
- 3. A figurative mode of representation conveying meaning other than the literal.
- Example: The use of allegory in the painting allows the artist to comment on society without being overt.
- 4. A narrative that acts as an extended metaphor, often encompassing a broader theme or idea.
- Example: 'The Pilgrim’s Progress' is an allegory that depicts the journey of Christian faith.
Etymology
From Greek 'allegoria', from 'allos' meaning 'other' and 'agoreuein' meaning 'to speak in public'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
moral allegory:
A narrative that teaches a moral lesson through symbolism.
political allegory:
A narrative that uses symbols to represent political ideas.
allegorical interpretation:
An interpretation that seeks hidden meanings in literature or art.
Related Words
metaphor:
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
symbol:
A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.
Slang Meanings of allegory
Meaning: A story with a twist that reveals a hidden truth.
Example Sentence: That movie was full of allegory—it made you think about society!
Meaning: An intricate tale that suggests more than it shows.
Example Sentence: His book was an allegory of life’s struggles, but in a very cryptic way.