Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

apologue

noun

/ˈæp.ə.lɒɡ/

Definition

A moral fable, usually featuring animals as characters, used to convey a valuable lesson or moral.

Examples

One classic apologue is Aesop’s fable of the Tortoise and the Hare, which teaches the lesson that slow and steady wins the race.
The apologue of the Fox and the Grapes illustrates the concept of cognitive dissonance and the idea that one may disparage what one cannot attain.

Meaning

An apologue is a narrative that often illustrates a moral or ethical lesson, typically using anthropomorphized creatures or characters. It aims to teach the reader or listener a principle through storytelling.