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Fables Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fables

[ˈfeɪbəlz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

storytelling

Fables are short stories that typically feature animals as characters and convey a moral lesson. They often end with a moral or a proverb. Popular fables include 'The Tortoise and the Hare' and 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf.'

Synonyms

allegory, parable, tale.

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Word Description / Examples
fables

Short stories that often feature animals and teach a moral lesson.

  • Aesop's fables are popular for their moral lessons.
  • The fable about the tortoise and the hare teaches the value of persistence.
parable

A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, often found in religious texts.

  • The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches kindness to strangers.
  • Jesus often taught his followers through parables.
allegory

A story with a deeper meaning, often used to symbolize larger concepts or ideas.

  • George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' is an allegory for the Russian Revolution.
  • The novel 'Pilgrim's Progress' is an allegory of the Christian life.
tale

A story, often imaginative or fictional, that can range from a simple anecdote to a longer narrative.

  • Children love to hear fairy tales before bedtime.
  • The tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table is legendary.

Examples of usage

  • The fable of the fox and the grapes teaches us not to belittle what we cannot have.
  • In the fable of the lion and the mouse, the moral is that even the smallest creatures can be of help.

Translations

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

Origin of 'fables'

The word 'fable' originated from the Latin word 'fabula,' meaning 'a story.' Fables have been a popular form of storytelling across cultures and civilizations, often used to teach moral lessons or convey wisdom in an entertaining manner. Aesop's Fables, attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop, are among the most famous collections of fables. These timeless tales continue to be retold and adapted in various forms of literature and media.

See also: fabled, fabulous.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,712, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.