WordValeparallel
corresponding or closely analogous; running side by side without meeting
In more detail
1. (adjective) (of lines or surfaces) never meeting or touching, always the same distance apart
2. (adjective) similar or happening at the same time in a related way
3. (noun) a person or thing that is similar to another
4. (noun) a line of latitude on the earth's surface
Examples
- 1. The two railway tracks run parallel to each other.
- 2. Our experiences were parallel—we both studied abroad and started careers in the same year.
- 3. There is a parallel between the two novels in how they explore family relationships.
How to use parallel
Parallel is used both literally (describing geometric lines or surfaces that maintain constant distance) and figuratively (describing similar situations, developments, or comparisons). In informal speech, it often appears in the phrase 'draw a parallel between' meaning to identify a similarity. The noun form is less common than the adjective and typically refers to a comparable person or thing, or in geography, a line of latitude.
Common phrases
- parallel lines
- parallel to
- draw a parallel
- parallel universe
- run parallel
- parallel structure
Synonyms
equivalent · analogous · corresponding · similar · concurrent
Opposites
divergent · perpendicular · intersecting
Word family
parallelize · paralleled · paralleling · parallelism · parallelogram
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse parallel with perpendicular or use it to mean 'intersecting at some point'; remember that parallel lines never meet. Also, the spelling is often misspelled as 'paralell'.
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