Fable: meaning, definitions and examples

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fable

[ ˈfeɪbəl ]

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literature

A fable is a short story that typically features animals as characters and conveys a moral lesson.

Synonyms

allegory, parable

Examples of usage

The Tortoise and the Hare is a well-known fable about perseverance.
The fable of the Ant and the Grasshopper teaches the importance of hard work.

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general

A widely believed but false story or idea.

Synonyms

legend, myth

Examples of usage

The fable that carrots improve your eyesight is actually a myth.
Don't fall for the fable that money buys happiness.

Translations

Translations of the word "fable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fábula

🇮🇳 कहानी

🇩🇪 Fabel

🇮🇩 fabel

🇺🇦 байка

🇵🇱 bajka

🇯🇵 寓話 (ぐうわ)

🇫🇷 fable

🇪🇸 fábula

🇹🇷 masal

🇰🇷 우화 (寓話)

🇸🇦 خرافة

🇨🇿 bajka

🇸🇰 bájka

🇨🇳 寓言 (yùyán)

🇸🇮 basen

🇮🇸 dæmisaga

🇰🇿 мысал

🇬🇪 ზღაპარი

🇦🇿 məsəl

🇲🇽 fábula

Word origin

The word 'fable' originated from the Latin word 'fabula', meaning 'a story'. Fables have been used throughout history to teach moral lessons in an entertaining way. Aesop's Fables, dating back to ancient Greece, are some of the most famous fables known worldwide. These short stories featuring animals and other characters have stood the test of time and continue to be popular in literature and culture.