parables
|par-a-ble|
🇺🇸
/ˈpærəbəlz/
🇬🇧
/ˈpærəb(ə)lz/
(parable)
moral story
Etymology
'parable' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'parabolē', where 'para-' meant 'beside' and 'ballein' meant 'to throw'.
'parabolē' passed into Late Latin as 'parabola', then into Old French as 'parable' and Middle English as 'parabole'/'parable', eventually becoming the modern English 'parable'.
Initially, it meant 'a comparison' or 'thing thrown alongside (for comparison)', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a short illustrative story or allegory used to teach a moral or spiritual lesson'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a short, simple story used to illustrate a moral or religious lesson, famously used in the teachings of Jesus.
Jesus often taught moral truths through parables.
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Noun 2
a short allegorical story used to illustrate or teach a general truth or principle (not necessarily religious).
Writers often use parables to make abstract ideas more concrete.
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Last updated: 2025/12/12 22:50