parable
UK: ˈpærəbl | US: ˈpærəbəl
n. a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson
n. (archaic) a comparison or analogy
parable = para<beside> + ble<able to be thrown>
- para<beside>: From Greek para- ("beside, alongside"), indicating comparison or parallel.
- ble<able to be thrown>: From Greek -bolē ("a throwing"), derived from ballein ("to throw"). Combined, it implies "a story thrown alongside" (to convey a lesson).
Etymology Origin:
The word parable originates from Greek parabolē ("comparison, analogy"), formed by para- ("beside") + bolē ("throwing"). It entered Late Latin as parabola, then Old French parabole, before becoming Middle English parable. The core idea is of "placing one thing beside another" to draw a moral analogy, much like tossing an idea alongside a story for clarity.
Jesus often taught using parables, such as the story of the Good Samaritan.
The fable serves as a parable about the dangers of greed.
She drew a modern parable from the company's rise and fall.
His life became a parable of resilience for future generations.
The ancient parable still resonates with audiences today.