Parable

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈpaɹəbÉ™l/
• US IPA: /ˈpæɹ.É™.bÉ™l/

From Old French (=modern) parabole, from Late Latin parabola, from Ancient Greek παραβολή (parabolē, "putting aside").

Full definition of parable

Noun

1. A short narrative illustrating a lesson (usually religious/moral) by comparison or analogy''In the New Testament the parables told by Jesus convey His message, as in "The parable of the prodigal son"''Catholic sermons normally draw on at least one Biblical lecture, often parables.

Related terms

• palaver
• parabola
• parabole
• parole

Verb

1. (transitive) To represent by parable.Which by the ancient sages was thus parabled. — Milton.

From Latin parābilis, from parāre ("to prepare, procure").

Adjective

1. (obsolete) That can easily be prepared or procured; obtainable.
• 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, vol. 1, New York Review Books 2001, p. 306:The most parable and easy, and about which many are employed, is to teach a school, turn lecturer or curate ....

Anagrams

• rapable