metaphorical
adj.using words to describe something by comparing it to something else with similar qualities. You use this when you are not being literal, like saying someone has a 'heart of stone'.
adj.relating to or using a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. Often used to describe language that conveys meaning through symbolic comparison.
“The phrase 'time is money' is a metaphorical expression.”
“The author uses a metaphorical journey through a dark forest to represent the character's internal struggle with grief.”
“While the literal meaning of the text is straightforward, the metaphorical layers suggest a deeper critique of industrial society and its impact on the human spirit.”
Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.
Learners often use the adjective 'metaphorical' (or 'metaphoric') where the noun 'metaphor' is required to complete the 'is a [noun] for' pattern.
“Find its way to food through a literal or metaphorical maze.”
“They said some attenders had turned up assuming it would be a metaphorical sauna, despite emails reminding visitors to bring a bathing suit.”
From metaphoric + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.