vertauskuvalliseen

Vertauskuvallinen is a Finnish adjective meaning figurative, symbolic, or allegorical. It is used to describe language, imagery, or expression that conveys meaning beyond the literal level, often through metaphors, symbols, or allegory. The term is common in literary analysis, art criticism, theology, and rhetorical discussion.

Etymology and related terms: The word is formed from versubs (vertaus, a comparison or analogy) and kuva (image) with the standard adjectival suffix -llinen. Related Finnish terms include allegorinen (allegorical), symbolinen (symbolic), and metaforinen (metaphorical). The noun form verutuskuva or veraskuvallisuus denotes figurativeness or the use of figurative language. The form vernaiskuvalliseen appearing in a sentence represents a grammatically inflected version of the same concept.

Usage and interpretation: Vertauskuvallinen language signals that meaning is partly conveyed through non-literal devices. It is frequently discussed in analyses of kaunokirjallinen kerronta, runous, teologiset tekstit, ja retoriikka. Distinctions are often made between figurative versus literal interpretation, with figurative styles inviting readers to uncover deeper or multiple layers of meaning through symbols, parables, or extended metaphors.

Examples: Phrases such as verotuskuvallinen kieli (figurative language), verotuskuvallisia kuvia (figurative images), or verotuskuvalliseen ilmaisuun (into figurative expression) illustrate how the adjective is used to frame discussions about imagery and meaning in Finnish texts.

See also: veratsu-kuva, allegoria, metafora, symboli, kerronta.