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parable

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

English

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Pronunciation

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Etymology 1

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From Middle English parable, from Old French parable, parabole, from Late Latin parabola, from Ancient Greek παραβολή (parabolḗ, comparison). Doublet of parabola, parole, and palaver.

Noun

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parable (plural parables)

  1. A short narrative illustrating a lesson (usually religious/moral) by comparison or analogy.
    In the New Testament the parables told by Jesus Christ convey His message, as in "The parable of the prodigal son".
    Catholic homilies normally draw on at least one Biblical lecture, often parables.
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Translations
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The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

Verb

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parable (third-person singular simple present parables, present participle parabling, simple past and past participle parabled)

  1. (transitive) To represent by parable.

See also

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Etymology 2

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

Adjective

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parable (comparative more parable, superlative most parable)

  1. (obsolete) That can easily be prepared or procured; obtainable.

Further reading

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Anagrams

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French

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Etymology

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Ultimately from Latin parare (to ward off)

Adjective

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parable (plural parables)

  1. preventable (able to be or fit to be prevented)
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Anagrams

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Middle English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From Old French parable, parabole, from Late Latin parabola, from Ancient Greek παραβολή (parabolḗ).

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /paˈraːblə/, /paˈraːbəl/, /ˈparabəl/

Noun

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parable (plural parables)

  1. A parable or narrative (usually teaching or illustrating a lesson)
  2. A maxim or byword, a short phrase or quip teaching or illustrating a lesson.
  3. A oration or session of speaking, especially one full of invective; a diatribe or rant.

Descendants

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  • English: parable
  • Scots: parable
  • Yola: parboles (plural)

References

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