WordGarden.ioparable
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈærəbəl/
US
- /ˈpɛrəbəl/
Meanings
Noun
a short story used to teach a moral or spiritual lesson
Beyond the definition
A parable isn't just a story; it's a simple story used to teach a moral or spiritual lesson. Think of it as a small window into a bigger truth. You usually won't find parables full of epic battles or magical creatures. They tend to stay close to ordinary life, which makes the message clear and easy to remember.
Parables are famously found in religious texts like the Bible, such as The Good Samaritan or The Prodigal Son, but they aren't limited to religion. Writers and speakers also use them to explain ideas in a simple, vivid way. When something is called a parable, the point is usually that the story carries a lesson beyond the events themselves.
A parable is a short, allegorical story designed to teach a moral lesson or illustrate a spiritual principle. Unlike fables, which often feature animals with human characteristics, parables typically involve realistic characters and situations drawn from everyday life. The power of a parable lies in its simplicity; it doesn't explicitly state the lesson but invites the listener or reader to discover it through reflection.
Historically, parables were a common teaching method, particularly in ancient cultures where oral tradition was strong. They are most famously associated with the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament—stories like The Good Samaritan, The Lost Sheep, and The Sower are all classic examples. These aren't historical accounts but rather carefully crafted narratives meant to convey deeper truths about compassion, forgiveness, and faith.
However, parables aren't exclusive to religious contexts. Writers, philosophers, and speakers across various disciplines use parabolic storytelling to make complex ideas more understandable or to provoke thought. A politician might tell a parable about the importance of community, while an economist could use one to illustrate the consequences of greed.
The key is that a parable isn't just about something; it's for something—a tool for teaching, inspiring, and prompting deeper understanding. So, when you encounter a seemingly simple story with a surprising resonance, chances are you've stumbled upon a parable.
Examples
- 1
Classroom teaching
The teacher told a short parable about patience before the class discussion.
- 2
Religious story
Many children first hear the parable of the Good Samaritan in church.
- Patternthe parable of + name/title
the story known by that name
- 3
Religious traditions
The book collects parables from Buddhist, Christian, and Jewish traditions.
- 4
Business failure
His failed company became a parable about pride and bad planning.
- Patternbecome a parable about + lesson/problem
be treated as a lesson for others
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Film criticism
Critics read the film as a parable of modern loneliness.
- Patterna parable of + wider idea/problem
a story that represents that idea or problem
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- parablenoun
Forms
- parablespluralnoun