Basic Details
Word: Parable
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A short story that teaches a lesson or moral.
Synonyms: Fable, allegory
Antonyms: Nonfiction, reality
Idioms and Phrases
- A picture is worth a thousand words: This phrase implies that a single image can convey complex ideas, similar to how a parable tells a moral without lengthy explanations. Example: "The painting of the children playing in the sun told a storytruly, a picture is worth a thousand words."
- Actions speak louder than words: This means that what someone actually does is more important than what they say, often illustrated in parables where characters learn this through their experiences. Example: "He promised to help, but when the time came, he didn't show up; actions speak louder than words."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The teacher told a parable about kindness to help the children understand the importance of being nice to others.
Example 2: Many of Aesop's fables are parables that teach valuable life lessons through simple yet engaging stories.
Example 3: In the parable of the Good Samaritan, we learn about the significance of helping those in need, regardless of differences.
Fun Fact
Did you know that parables have been used for centuries across many cultures? One of the most famous collections of parables is the Bibles Book of Proverbs, which contains stories meant to impart wisdom.
Famous Quote
"The simple things are also the most profound." John O'Donohue. This quote reflects how parables, though straightforward, often convey deep moral truths.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "parable" mean?
a) A type of poem
b) A short story that teaches a lesson
c) A historical account
d) A scientific fact
Answer: b) A short story that teaches a lesson
2. Which of these is a synonym of "parable"?
a) Fable
b) Novel
c) Biography
d) Report
Answer: a) Fable
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "parable"?
a) Fable
b) Fiction
c) Nonfiction
d) Story
Answer: c) Nonfiction
4. Which sentence uses "parable" correctly?
a) The parable was too complex for young students to understand.
b) She read a parable about a fox who saved a bird.
c) The parable was filled with scientific formulas.
d) The parable monitored the weather all week.
Answer: b) She read a parable about a fox who saved a bird.
5. Which idiom suggests that actions are more important than words, similar to lessons taught in parables?
a) A picture is worth a thousand words
b) Actions speak louder than words
c) A watched pot never boils
d) The early bird catches the worm
Answer: b) Actions speak louder than words
