allegorical
UK: ˌæl.ɪˈɡɒr.ɪ.kəl | US: ˌæl.əˈɡɔːr.ɪ.kəl
adj. containing or using allegory; symbolic or metaphorical
The word "allegorical" derives from "allegory," which traces back to Greek allegoria (from allos "other" + agoreuein "to speak publicly"). The suffix -ical (from Latin -icalis) forms adjectives meaning "pertaining to." Thus, "allegorical" literally means "pertaining to speaking symbolically (about other meanings)." The term evolved through Late Latin allegoricus and Old French allegorique before entering English, retaining its core idea of symbolic representation.
The novel's allegorical themes critique societal corruption.
Many Renaissance paintings are richly allegorical.
His speech was allegorical, masking political dissent behind folklore.
The film's allegorical layers reward careful interpretation.
Medieval morality plays often employed allegorical characters like "Vice" and "Virtue."