'parable' originates from the Latin word 'parabola', which was derived from the Greek word 'parabolē', where 'para-' meant 'beside' and 'bole' meant 'a throw'.

'parabolē' transformed into the Latin word 'parabola', and eventually became the modern English word 'parable' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'comparison' or 'analogy', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a simple story with a moral lesson'.