parables - Master This Word
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parables Word Meanings
- a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson
- a short allegorical tale
- a narrative that conveys a deeper meaning
parables Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
parables Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpær.ə.bəl/
US
/ˈpɛr.ə.bəl/
parables Word Etymology
Root decomposition: para- = beside, ballo = to throw; Historical origin: Greek → Latin → Old French → English; Memory image: Imagine a storyteller throwing a lesson next to a listener.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
A parable is a brief narrative that conveys a moral or spiritual lesson through simple, concrete events. Unlike a fable, it often includes human characters rather than talking animals, and its message sits just beneath the surface of the plot. Parables invite readers to infer meaning by paying attention to choices, consequences, and the outcomes for the characters. The term itself is rooted in ancient storytelling traditions and is commonly used in religious and philosophical contexts to illustrate virtue, caution, or wisdom. Visualize a storyteller presenting a lesson beside the listener, inviting interpretation rather than dictation.
Usage Reminders
- Remember parable = teaching, not news.
- Look for the moral beneath the plot.
- Parables use ordinary situations to reveal big truths.
- Different from fables: humans often, no talking animals.
- Use parables when discussing ethics, religion, or literature.
Common Misconceptions
- A parable is the same as a fairy tale.
- Parables always explain every detail of the story.
- A parable must have talking animals.
- Parables predict the future.
- All parables have only religious meaning.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often view a parable as a tool for teaching ethics or faith, so learners may assume every detail has a moral or expect a direct sermon. Emphasize inference and context over literal interpretation.
Learning Tips
- Note the moral first, then examine how it’s shown.
- Compare with a fable to see differences in purpose.
- Ask what choices led to outcomes for characters.
- Identify the central theme rather than every detail.
- Practice by summarizing the lesson in your own words.
Related Listening
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