A "parable" is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. It's often a brief narrative that conveys a deeper message or teaching, commonly found in religious texts and folklore. Parables are designed to provoke thought and encourage introspection about important life lessons.
The word "parable" comes from the Greek word "parabole," meaning "comparison," which is derived from "para-" (beside) and "ballein" (to throw). It signifies a throwing together of different ideas or stories to draw a comparison and teach a lesson.