Allegorist – Definition & Meaning

An allegorist is a writer or artist who creates allegories. Allegories are stories, poems, or pictures that have a hidden meaning or message. They usually represent abstract ideas or moral concepts through the use of symbols and metaphors. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of allegorist.

Definitions

An allegorist is a person who writes or creates allegories. Allegories are stories or pictures that use symbols to represent abstract ideas or moral concepts. They are often used in literature, art, and religious texts to convey a deeper meaning.

Origin

The word “allegorist” comes from the Latin word “allegoria,” which means “figurative language.” It was first used in the 16th century to describe writers who used allegories in their work.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an allegorist is “a writer of allegories.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines an allegorist as “a person who writes or composes allegories.”

Associations

Allegorists are often associated with literary works such as fables, parables, and myths. They are also associated with religious texts such as the Bible, where many stories are told through allegories.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of allegorist include symbolist, metaphorist, and mythmaker. These words all refer to someone who creates stories or pictures with hidden meanings.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms for allegorist, but some words that are opposite in meaning include literalist, realist, and pragmatist. These words refer to people who take things at face value and do not look for hidden meanings.

The same root words

The root word of allegorist is “allegory,” which comes from the Greek word “allegoria,” meaning “speaking figuratively.” Other words that share this root include “allegoric,” “allegorical,” and “allegorize.”

Example Sentences

1. John is a talented allegorist who can convey complex ideas through simple stories.
2. The Bible is full of allegories that teach important lessons about life and morality.
3. The artist’s painting was an allegory of the struggle between good and evil.
4. The fable of the tortoise and the hare is a classic example of allegory.
5. The poet’s use of metaphor and symbolism made her a master allegorist.