Allegorically vs Allegoric: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Have you ever wondered about the difference between the words “allegorically” and “allegoric”? While they may seem interchangeable, there is actually a distinct difference between the two.

First and foremost, “allegorically” is the proper word to use in most cases. It is an adverb that means to describe something in an allegorical manner. In other words, it is used to convey a deeper meaning or moral message through symbolism or metaphor. On the other hand, “allegoric” is an adjective that describes something as being allegorical in nature.

Now that we have established the proper usage of these words, let’s dive deeper into their meanings and how they can be used in writing and literature.

Define Allegorically

Allegorically is an adverb that describes a method of writing or storytelling in which characters, events, and settings are used to represent abstract ideas or moral principles. It is a literary device that has been used for centuries to convey complex concepts in a more accessible and relatable way. When something is described as allegorically, it means that it is being used as a symbol or metaphor for something else.

For example, in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the animals represent different groups of people in society, and the events that take place on the farm represent the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. The story is not just about animals on a farm but is an allegory for political corruption and the dangers of totalitarianism.

Define Allegoric

Allegoric is an adjective that describes something that is related to or characteristic of an allegory. It can also be used to describe something that is symbolic or metaphorical in nature. When something is described as allegoric, it means that it has a deeper meaning beyond its literal interpretation.

For example, a painting that depicts a woman holding a torch could be interpreted allegorically as representing enlightenment or knowledge. The woman and the torch are not just a literal representation but are symbols for something else.

Allegoric can also be used to describe a work of literature or art that is an allegory. For instance, John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress is an allegoric novel that tells the story of a man’s journey to heaven and the obstacles he faces along the way.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using words in a sentence, it’s important to understand their meanings and nuances. This is especially true for words that are similar in spelling and pronunciation, such as “allegorically” and “allegoric”. In this section, we’ll explore how to use these two words correctly in a sentence.

How To Use “Allegorically” In A Sentence

“Allegorically” is an adverb that means “in the form of an allegory”. An allegory is a story or poem that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. Here are some examples of how to use “allegorically” in a sentence:

• The author wrote the novel allegorically, using the characters and events to represent larger political themes.
• The painting was interpreted allegorically, with each element representing a different aspect of the human experience.
• The play was performed allegorically, with the actors wearing symbolic costumes and using exaggerated gestures to convey deeper meanings.

As you can see, “allegorically” is used to describe the manner in which something is portrayed or presented.

How To Use “Allegoric” In A Sentence

“Allegoric” is an adjective that means “of, relating to, or characteristic of an allegory”. Here are some examples of how to use “allegoric” in a sentence:

• The poem was full of allegoric imagery, with each stanza representing a different stage of life.
• The novel was praised for its allegoric depth, with each character representing a different facet of society.
• The painting was admired for its allegoric complexity, with each element contributing to a larger symbolic meaning.

As you can see, “allegoric” is used to describe the nature or quality of something that is allegorical in nature.

More Examples Of Allegorically & Allegoric Used In Sentences

In order to further understand the usage of the terms “allegorically” and “allegoric”, let’s take a look at some examples:

Examples Of Using Allegorically In A Sentence

• The author allegorically represented the struggles of modern society through the character’s journey.
• The painting was allegorically depicting the battle between good and evil.
• Her poem allegorically conveyed the message of hope and resilience.
• The film used allegorical imagery to explore the themes of love and loss.
• The story was allegorically illustrating the dangers of greed and power.
• The play was allegorically commenting on the political climate of the time.
• The novel used allegorical elements to explore the complexities of human nature.
• The sculpture was allegorically representing the beauty of nature.
• The song’s lyrics were allegorically describing the journey of self-discovery.
• The artwork was allegorically symbolizing the cycle of life and death.

Examples Of Using Allegoric In A Sentence

• The story was filled with allegoric references to Greek mythology.
• The painting was an allegoric representation of the artist’s inner turmoil.
• The play was an allegoric commentary on the current political situation.
• The poem was an allegoric exploration of the human psyche.
• The film used allegoric imagery to explore the concept of time.
• The novel was an allegoric portrayal of the struggle for power.
• The sculpture was an allegoric representation of the human form.
• The song’s lyrics were an allegoric description of the search for love.
• The artwork was an allegoric symbol of the artist’s personal journey.
• The story was an allegoric representation of the battle between good and evil.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the terms “allegorically” and “allegoric,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Allegorically” As An Adjective

One of the most common mistakes is using “allegorically” as an adjective to describe something. For example, saying “the story was allegorically” is incorrect. “Allegorically” is an adverb that modifies a verb, not an adjective that describes a noun. The correct usage would be “the story was told allegorically.”

Using “Allegoric” As A Noun

Another common mistake is using “allegoric” as a noun. For example, saying “the allegoric of the story” is incorrect. “Allegoric” is an adjective that describes a noun, not a noun itself. The correct usage would be “the allegory of the story.”

Misusing “Allegorically” And “Allegoric” In Writing

Using “allegorically” and “allegoric” interchangeably in writing can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. It is important to use the correct term in the appropriate context. To avoid this mistake, make sure to double-check your usage and consult a dictionary if you are unsure.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Always double-check your usage of “allegorically” and “allegoric” to ensure you are using the correct term in the appropriate context.
• Consult a dictionary if you are unsure of the correct usage.
• Read widely and pay attention to how these terms are used in different contexts.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the terms “allegorically” and “allegoric,” context is an important factor to consider. Both terms are used to describe the use of allegory in literary works, but they are not always interchangeable.

Choosing Between Allegorically And Allegoric

The term “allegorically” is an adverb that describes the manner in which something is done in an allegory. It is often used to describe the way in which an author uses symbols or metaphors to represent abstract ideas or concepts. For example, in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter,” the letter “A” on Hester Prynne’s chest is an allegory for adultery.

On the other hand, “allegoric” is an adjective that describes something as being allegorical in nature. It is often used to describe a work of literature as a whole, rather than a specific aspect of it. For example, George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” is an allegoric novel that uses animals to represent different political ideologies.

Examples Of Different Contexts

The choice between “allegorically” and “allegoric” can depend on the context in which they are used. Here are some examples:

• In a literary analysis essay, it might be appropriate to use “allegorically” to describe the way in which an author uses allegory in a specific passage or scene.
• In a book review, it might be more appropriate to use “allegoric” to describe the overall allegorical nature of the work.
• In a creative writing workshop, it might be useful to discuss the use of allegory both allegorically and allegoric, depending on the specific aspect being analyzed.

It is important to consider the context in which these terms are used to ensure that they are used correctly and effectively. Understanding the nuances between “allegorically” and “allegoric” can help writers communicate their ideas more clearly and precisely.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using allegorically and allegoric are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. Below are some examples:

Exception 1: Historical Context

In some cases, the historical context of a piece of literature or artwork might require the use of one term over the other. For example, if analyzing a medieval tapestry, it might be more appropriate to use the term “allegoric” rather than “allegorically,” as the former was more commonly used during that time period.

Exception 2: Personal Style

Some writers or artists might have a personal preference for using one term over the other, regardless of the rules. For instance, a poet might use “allegorically” in a poem simply because it fits better with the meter and rhyme scheme, even though “allegoric” would technically be correct.

Exception 3: Regional Differences

There may be regional differences in the usage of these terms. For example, in British English, “allegoric” is more commonly used than “allegorical.” In American English, however, the opposite is true.

Exception 4: Contextual Meaning

In some cases, the intended meaning of a particular work might require the use of one term over the other. For example, if analyzing a work that is meant to be taken literally on the surface, but has deeper symbolic meanings, it might be more appropriate to use “allegorically” to emphasize the hidden meanings.

Overall, while there are some exceptions to the rules, it is important to follow standard conventions in order to communicate effectively and clearly. By understanding the differences between “allegorically” and “allegoric,” writers and analysts can better convey their intended meanings and avoid confusion.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between “allegorically” and “allegoric”, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your usage of these terms:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in the following sentences:

1. The novel was written __________, with each character representing a different political ideology.
2. The painting was interpreted __________, with many different meanings attributed to each element.
3. The fable was told __________, with the animals representing different personality traits.

Answer key:

1. allegorically
2. allegorically
3. allegorically

Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Usage

Choose the sentence that uses the correct term:

Sentence 1	Sentence 2
The poem was an allegorically representation of the author’s childhood.	The poem was an allegoric representation of the author’s childhood.
The movie used allegoric imagery to explore themes of love and loss.	The movie used allegorically imagery to explore themes of love and loss.
The play was an allegorically tale of redemption and forgiveness.	The play was an allegoric tale of redemption and forgiveness.

Answer key:

1. allegorically
2. allegoric
3. allegorically

By completing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of “allegorically” and “allegoric”. Remember to pay attention to the context in which these terms are used, and choose the correct term based on the intended meaning.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “allegorically” and “allegoric,” it is clear that these two terms have distinct meanings and uses in the English language.

Key Takeaways

• “Allegorically” is an adverb that describes something that is done in an allegorical manner.
• “Allegoric” is an adjective that describes something that is allegorical in nature.
• Understanding the nuances of grammar and language use is essential for effective communication.

It is important for writers and speakers to be aware of these differences in order to use these terms correctly and convey their intended meaning. By paying attention to the subtleties of language, we can communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Keep Learning

To continue improving your understanding of grammar and language use, consider exploring resources such as:

• Grammarly: an online writing assistant that can help you improve your writing skills
• The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White: a classic guide to writing style and grammar
• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: a comprehensive resource for definitions, usage, and pronunciation

By continuing to learn and refine our language skills, we can become more effective communicators and better convey our ideas to others.