fable

¹fa·ble

noun \ˈfā-bəl\

Definition of FABLE

: a fictitious narrative or statement: as a : a legendary story of supernatural happenings b : a narration intended to enforce a useful truth; especially : one in which animals speak and act like human beings c : falsehood, lie

Examples of FABLE

1. a fable about busy ants
2. The story that he won the battle single-handedly is a mere fable.
3. He combines fact and fable to make a more interesting story.

Origin of FABLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin fabula conversation, story, play, from fari to speak — more at ban

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FABLE

Synonyms: apologue, allegory, parable

Antonyms: fact, materiality, reality

Related Words: beast fable, bestiary; morality play; legend, myth, mythology, narrative, tale

Near Antonyms: actuality, realness

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with FABLE

able, Babel, Bebel, cable, Froebel, gable, label, sable, stable, table