fable
/ˈfeɪbəl/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.16 in modern English
10
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A fictitious narrative intended to enforce some useful truth or precept, usually with animals, etc. as characters; an apologue. Prototypically, Aesop's Fables.
noun
The plot, story, or connected series of events forming the subject of an epic or dramatic poem.
Example Sentences
- "But refuſe prophane and olde wiues fables, and exerciſe thy ſelfe rather vnto godlineſſe."
- "[…]we grew / The fable of the city where we dwelt."
- "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."
- "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;"
- "He Fables not, I heare the enemie: / Out ſome light Horſemen, and peruſe their Wings."
- "Vain now the Tales which fab’ling Poets tell, / That wav’ring Conqueſt ſtill deſires to rove; / In Marlbrô’s Camp the Goddeſs knows to dwell: / Long as the Hero’s Life remains her Love."
Etymology
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: *bʰeh₂-, -, fable, fābula