Metaforico

Metaforico is an Italian adjective that describes language, imagery, or stylistic choices that rely on metaphor rather than literal meaning. It is used to indicate that something is figurative or symbolic, often in literary analysis, criticism, or everyday speech.

Etymology and meaning. The term derives from metafora, meaning metaphor, which comes from Greek metaphora, literally a transfer or carrying over (meta- “beyond, across” + pherein “to bear”). In Italian, the suffix -ico forms adjectives, yielding metaforico to describe aspects related to metaphor or figurative language.

Usage and scope. Metaforico is commonly applied to poetry, prose, visual arts, and rhetorical discourse to signal that understanding is achieved through symbolic association rather than direct description. It is frequently contrasted with language letterale (literal) and with allegorico in discussions of figurative technique. In linguistic and literary contexts, a text described as metaforico typically employs metaphors prominently to express ideas, emotions, or critiques.

Examples. A sentence like “Questo testo è metaforico e ricorre a immagini sensoriali per suggerire significati profondi” labels the work as metaphorical. Another example: “La allusione metaforica del poeta trasforma l’esperienza quotidiana in figura simbolica.” Everyday speech may also be metaforico, when speakers describe non-literal connections to convey meaning more vividly.

See also. Related concepts include metafora (the figure of speech), linguistica figurativa (figurative linguistics), and allegoria (allegory). Metaforico thus serves as a concise descriptor for works or passages where metaphor drives interpretation and impact.