Definition of fable

The word "fable" has its roots in Latin. The Latin word "fabula" means "story" or "tale," and it is derived from "fari," which means "to speak" or "to say." The Latin word was used to describe a short, fictional story, often featuring animals, that conveys a moral or teaches a lesson. When the Latin word "fabula" was borrowed into Old French as "fabule," it retained its original meaning. The Old French word was later modified to "fable" in Middle English, and it has been used in the English language since the 14th century. Today, a fable is a short story that features non-human characters, such as animals or objects, and is used to convey a moral message or teach a lesson. Examples of famous fables include Aesop's Fables, which feature animals with human-like characteristics and are used to teach moral lessons.