Pronunciation: [ˈalɪɡəɹˌi] (IPA) 
The word "allegory" is spelled with three syllables: /ˈæ.lə.ɡɔːr.i/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "a" sound /æ/. The second syllable has a schwa sound /ə/, which is like an unstressed "uh". The third syllable is pronounced with a long "o" sound /ɔː/. The word refers to a story or image that represents a deeper meaning or moral lesson. Allegories can be found in literature, art, and even everyday speech.
Allegory is a literary or artistic device that employs symbolic figures, actions, or events to represent abstract concepts or moral principles. Originating from the Greek word "allegoria," meaning "speaking otherwise," it is a form of extended metaphor that conveys deeper meanings beyond the surface narrative. In an allegory, characters usually personify virtues, vices, or abstract ideas, and their actions and interactions are meant to illustrate philosophical or moral truths.
Often found in fables, parables, and myths, allegories invite readers or viewers to interpret the symbolism behind the explicit storylines. They can be richly layered and open to multiple interpretations, engaging the audience's imagination and inviting them to reflect on larger universal themes. By avoiding direct references and employing indirect symbolism, allegories enable creators to address sensitive or controversial topics discreetly.
Allegory has been a prominent feature of numerous literary works throughout history. For example, John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress presents a spiritual journey as an allegory, with the protagonist, Christian, representing a person's pilgrimage towards salvation. In George Orwell's Animal Farm, various animals represent political figures and social classes, serving as a critique of totalitarianism and exploring themes of power and corruption.
Overall, allegory harnesses the power of metaphor and symbolism to convey intricate ideas and values in a captivating and thought-provoking manner, making it an essential tool in literature, art, and storytelling.
Figurative speech; language that has another meaning than the literal one; the Jews compared to a vine in the 80th Psalm is an allegory.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "allegory" originated from the Latin term "allegoria", which was derived from the Greek word "allegoria". In Greek, the word was a combination of "allos", meaning "other" or "different", and "ageirein", meaning "to speak" or "to say". Thus, the term "allegoria" initially meant "to say something different" or "to speak metaphorically". Over time, this evolved into its current definition, referring to a narrative or art form that conveys hidden meanings or deeper truths through symbols, characters, or events.
