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Definition of parable
parable
/ˈpær.ə.bəl/
par · a · ble
Adverb:parabolically
•Plural:parables
•Adjective:parabolic
parable Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
8
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
Syllables
3
parable Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A simple, brief narrative using everyday human situations to illustrate a universal moral or spiritual lesson.
Example
"The teacher shared a traditional parable about a generous farmer to illustrate the value of kindness."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for parableWord Nuance & Usage
While both teach a moral lesson, a parable typically features realistic human characters and everyday situations, whereas a fable relies on anthropomorphized animals, plants, or mythical creatures.
• Rhymes for parable
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed via Old French and Late Latin parabola from Ancient Greek parabolē ('a comparison' or 'juxtaposition'), from paraballein, literally meaning 'to throw alongside'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Parable. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/parable