A metaphorical interpretation refers to understanding something as a symbol or representation of something else. It involves looking beyond the literal meaning to find deeper or symbolic significance. Full definition
That is what he was arguing against, not some va.gue metaphorical interpretation of Genesis where a rain drop fossil are evidence of an ancient flood somewhere. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)
These painterly ideas were closer to Soulages than the more metaphorical interpretations of being an expression of post-World War II trauma where hope lingers in the crevices between the charred remnants (a popular interpretation that Soulages attempted to discourage). (hyperallergic.com)
Commemorating the new complex itself, the show was a poetic expository on the language of architecture and its myriad metaphorical interpretations in the fields of culture, politics, environment and home. (artsatl.com)