Fabled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‰
Add to dictionary

fabled

[หˆfeษชbษ™ld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

legendary

Well known and often talked about, but probably not true.

Synonyms

fabulous, legendary, mythical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fabled

Used when referring to stories or places that are famous and often a part of folklore or traditional tales.

  • The fabled city of Atlantis has captured the imagination of many
  • The fabled heroes of ancient Greece are still talked about today
legendary

Used for people or things that are very famous and admired, often due to their extraordinary qualities or achievements.

  • Bruce Lee is a legendary martial artist
  • The legendary band performed their greatest hits for the packed stadium
mythical

Used when talking about beings, places, or events that exist only in myths or are not real, often with a fantasy or ancient context.

  • Dragons are mythical creatures found in many stories
  • The unicorn is a mythical animal that symbolizes purity
fabulous

Used to describe something that is extremely good, wonderful or almost too amazing to be real.

  • She wore a fabulous dress to the party
  • We had a fabulous time on our vacation

Examples of usage

  • The fabled city of Atlantis has never been found.
  • The fabled hero was said to have powers beyond imagination.
Context #2 | Verb

tales

Described in fables; fictitious or legendary.

Synonyms

fictional, imaginary, mythical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fabled

Used to describe something famous in stories or legends, often having qualities or characteristics that are exaggerated or embellished.

  • The fabled city of Atlantis has fascinated explorers for centuries
  • She spoke of a fabled treasure hidden in the mountains
imaginary

Describes something that exists only in the mind and has no physical presence, often used in creative or hypothetical contexts.

  • As a child, she had an imaginary friend she would talk to
  • The boundaries between the real and imaginary blur in dreams
fictional

Refers to something invented or made-up, usually associated with literature, movies, or other forms of storytelling.

  • Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • The novel is set in a fictional universe with its own rules and history
mythical

Used to describe beings, places, or events that are mentioned in myths and often have a basis in ancient stories or folklore.

  • The unicorn is a mythical creature often depicted in medieval literature
  • Many cultures have mythical tales explaining the creation of the world

Examples of usage

  • The story was fabled to have been passed down through generations.
  • The characters in the book were fabled creatures from ancient myths.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Fables often feature animals with human traits, teaching moral lessons like honesty and kindness.
  • Famous collections, such as Aesop's Fables, have shaped Western storytelling and moral education for centuries.
  • The phrase 'fabled hero' suggests someone who is legendary, often found in tales of bravery and adventure.

Cultural Influence

  • In many cultures, fables serve as a tool for education, helping children learn about right and wrong in an engaging way.
  • Asian folklore includes celebrated fables with unique morals, such as the stories of the wise rabbit and clever tortoise.
  • Fables have inspired various forms of art, including animations, plays, and illustrations that bring these timeless tales to life.

Psychology

  • Stories deemed 'fabled' can create strong emotional connections, enhancing the retention of moral lessons.
  • Narrative psychology studies how storytelling, including fables, influences our thoughts, behaviors, and social relationships.
  • Children's preference for animal protagonists in fables may stem from their ability to empathize and relate to these characters.

Pop Culture

  • Fabled stories are often adapted in popular media, with modern films drawing inspiration from traditional narratives.
  • Video games and fantasy literature frequently reference fabled creatures, adding depth and intrigue to their plots.
  • Musicals and theater productions often incorporate elements from classic fables to convey timeless messages through performance.

Origin of 'fabled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'fabled' comes from the Latin term 'fabula', meaning a story or tale.
  • It first entered the English language in the late 14th century, connecting deeply with storytelling traditions.
  • The Greek equivalent 'mลซthos' also relates to stories, showing a shared emphasis on narrative across cultures.

The word 'fabled' originates from the Middle English word 'fabul,' which means 'legendary.' The term has evolved over time to represent stories or characters that are well-known, often talked about, and surrounded by a sense of mystery and wonder. Fabled tales and creatures have been a significant part of folklore and mythology across various cultures, adding a touch of magic and imagination to storytelling.


See also: fables, fabulous.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,413, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.