Definition

A story, picture, or other work of art that uses symbols to represent deeper meanings or ideas, often about human life or moral lessons.

Example

George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' is a famous allegory that critiques totalitarianism.

Conversation

Have you ever read a book that was an allegory for something deeper?

Yeah, I think Animal Farm is a great example of that.

Exactly! The way it uses characters to represent real events is fascinating.

Totally, it makes you think about the world in a different way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Allegory → It is formed from "allegoria" (from Greek "allegorein", meaning to speak otherwise) and the suffix "-y" (indicating a state or condition). The word "allegory" refers to a narrative that conveys a deeper meaning through symbolic figures and actions, essentially speaking otherwise than the literal interpretation.

Memory Tip

Think of a story that 'speaks otherwise' — that's what an allegory does, conveying deeper meanings through symbols.

Visually Confused Words