What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
allegoric
Example
The novel Animal Farm by George Orwell is an allegoric tale about the Russian Revolution. [allegoric: adjective]
Example
The painting is an allegoric representation of the battle between good and evil. [allegoric: adjective]
figurative
Example
The phrase 'it's raining cats and dogs' is a figurative expression. [figurative: adjective]
Example
The sculpture is a figurative representation of the human form. [figurative: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Figurative is more commonly used than allegoric in everyday language. Figurative language is widely used in literature, poetry, and everyday speech, while allegoric language is less common and often reserved for more serious or intellectual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between allegoric and figurative?
Allegoric is typically associated with a more formal and intellectual tone, while figurative can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
