Fable Meaning
/ˈfeɪbəl/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA fictitious narrative intended to enforce some useful truth or precept, usually with animals, etc. as characters; an apologue. Prototypically, Aesop's Fables.
nounAny story told to excite wonder; common talk; the theme of talk.
Sentence Examples
The following passage is a quotation from a well-known fable.
The following passage was quoted from a well-known fable.
I regaled the devil; he gave me a fable.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ancient Greek storyteller shared a ____ about a clever fox.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The tortoise and the hare is a famous ____ that teaches us that slow and steady wins the race.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English, borrowed from Old French fable, from Latin fābula, from fārī (“to speak, say”) + -bula (“instrumental suffix”). See ban, and compare fabulous, fame. Doublet of fabula.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"But refuſe prophane and olde wiues fables, and exerciſe thy ſelfe rather vnto godlineſſe."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 1 Timothy 4:7, column 1:
"[…]we grew / The fable of the city where we dwelt."
— 1842, Alfred Tennyson, “The Gardener’s Daughter; or, The Pictures”, in Poems. […], volume II, London: Edward Moxon, […], →OCLC, page 19:
"I say it would look like a fable to report that this gentleman gives away all which is the overplus of a great fortune by secret methods to other men."
— 1712 January 12 (Gregorian calendar), [Joseph Addison; Richard Steele et al.], “TUESDAY, January 2, 1711–1712”, in The Spectator, number 264; republished in Alexander Chalmers, editor, The Spectator; a New Edition, […], volume III, New York, N.Y.: D[aniel] Appleton & Company, 1853, →OCLC, page 316:
"For the moral (as Bossu observes,) is the first business of the poet, as being the groundwork of his instruction. This being formed, he contrives such a design, or fable, as may be most suitable to the moral;"
— 1695, John Dryden, A Parallel betwixt Painting and Poetry:
"He Fables not, I heare the enemie: / Out ſome light Horſemen, and peruſe their Wings."
— 1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The First Part of Henry the Sixt”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene ii], page 111, column 2:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ancient Greek storyteller shared a ____ about a clever fox.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The tortoise and the hare is a famous ____ that teaches us that slow and steady wins the race.